Spectacled skimmer

Introduction: Spectacled Skimmers (Orthetrum icteromelas cinctifrons) sport 2 specular dark rings on the frons of the males hence the common name. Lush oxbows and back swamps are their favoured habitats.

Distribution: Kwando and Kavango Rivers of Namibia

Colouration: Dark blue eyes, pale pterostigma, black-striped thorax and noticeable black dorsal abdominal patterns. Yellow ground colour on the abdomen and thorax.

Breeding: As they live on muddy ground their larvae tend to be very hairy and covered in mud.

Flight season: August to April.

Max size: 45mm.

Conservation: Not threatened.