Black banded swift

Introduction: Black-banded Swifts (Pelopedus mathias) fly quickly about open, woody areas or along the edges of forests. They are frequent visits to flower gardens and often settle on low vegetation.

Distribution: Found in some numbers in northern Namibia.

Breeding/Larval food: Not confirmed.

Colouration: Dark, dull brown to grey-black with white spots on the hindwing. There is a distinctive black 'sex' band on the upperside of the forewing, indicting the male of the species.

On the wing: Throughout the year.

Wingspan: Approx 30 to 45mm.