Grizzled pintail

Introduction: The abdomen of Grizzled Pintails (Acisoma panorpoides ascalaphoides) resembles the curve of a scorpion's tail. They inhabit shallow swamps, adults favouring perching on water lilies and lotus leaf plants.

Distribution: Kavango, Kwando, Chobe and Zambezi Rivers and the von Bach Dam near Okahandja..

Colouration: Pale head, blue eyes, light blue abdomen and thorax both with black in adult males, brownish-yellow in females.

Breeding: Eggs are laid in fresh water and take up to 4 weeks to develop.

Flight season: Throughout the year.

Max size: 40mm.

Conservation: Not threatened.