Cascaders
Family Libellulidae Leach, 1815
Distribution in Africa and surrounding Islands
- Genus includes at least twelve Afrotropical species
- 2 species in Southern Africa
General identification features
- Zygonyx (Cascaders) males are (very) large (hindwing 37-61 mm) and diverse in appearance, although generally dark with conspicuous markings
- Z. torridus (Ringed Cascader) has 6-7 buff abdominal rings with yellow dot like markings in lateral view
- Z. natalensis (Blue Cascader) is thickly grey pruinose on thorax and abdominal segments 7-9
- 8½-19½ Ax in Forewing (‘½’ indicates often incomplete distal Ax)
Habitat and behaviour:
- Favouring fast-flowing water
- Rarely rest by the waterside, and perch in a hanging position.
- Often found hovering above open rapids and waterfalls.(Z. natalensis and Z. torridus)
- Z. torridus is the only one to commonly occur in dry areas and on temporary waters but also seen over slow flowing pools.
Images:
Click on images to link to description page
Credit
Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014