Red veined darter

Introduction: Red-veined Darters (Sympetrum fonscolombii) are a migrant species that head for drier regions of the country in the rainy season, where they adapt to the rain pools for short durations. Colonizing all types of fresh waters is a feature.

Distribution: Widespread and common in most parts of the country including Etosha National Park, northern Namib Desert, Kaokoland, Damaraland, north-central, central and mid-southern regions of the country.

Colouration: Scarlet abdomen, red thorax with yellow or greenish-yellow spots. A yellow basal spot marks the hindwing.

Breeding: Breeds in temporary pools.

Flight season: January and May, August and September.

Max size: Small to medium-sized dragonflies.

Conservation: Not threatened.