Jaunty dropwing

Introduction: Jaunty Dropwings (Trithemis stictica) inhabit small, perennial, shady, streams. Here males can perch on twigs overlooking the water, ready to pounce on any unsuspecting female hoping to keep her knickers on for the rest of the day.

Distribution: Found at only 4 locations in the Naukluft Mountains and the other is in the Tsaris Mountains.

Colouration: Blue-green frons, turquoise eyes, black abdomen with yellow stripes and a light blue coating on the thorax. There is a yellowish wash in hindwings of both male and female.

Breeding: Males fly over the water in search of females. Eggs emerge from larvae after around 70 days.

Flight season: Throughout the year.

Max size: 38mm.

Conservation: Endangered status due to their small range, even though they are not threatened worldwide.