Tough skimmer

Introduction: Larger ponds with water lilies and oxbow lakes are the favoured habitat of the Tough Skimmer (Orthetrum stemmale). Stemma is both Greek and Latin for 'wreath, garland' alis means 'belonging to or concerning' both a reference to the wreath-like marking of a yellow spot on the frons which is ringed by black.

Distribution: Zambezi and Chobe River floodplain in north eastern Namibia.

Colouration: Similar to the River Skimmer and Julia Skimmer in colouration and markings.

Breeding: Hairy larvae are covered with a layer of thin mud, courtesy of their muddy micro-habitat.

Flight season: February and March.

Max size: 50mm.

Conservation: Not threatened.