UPDATED CHECKLIST: An Adobe pdf version of the checklist as at December 2018 is available here (click to view/download - approx 10 MB).

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Lestes virgatus
      Smoky Spreadwing
   

View photos in Biodiversity Explorer

Distribution: Localised in all moist, forested areas of South Africa (but very rare in Western Cape Province) to about 1600 m a.s.l. To North and West Africa.
Body Length: 45-49 mm
Hind Wing Length: 26.5-27.5 mm
Habitat: Pools with tall grass, herbs and bushes, usually near trees or in forest. Occasionally shady streams.
Flight Period: November to May
Features: Fairly large, slender, dull metallic green, striped, and with strongly smoky wings. Localised at forest pools in moist areas of South Africa.
Comments: Occurrence in Eswatini confirmed by photo by Kate Braun, and by SA damselflies and dragonflies checklist (Durban Natural Science Museum, 2000).

2 records, from 2/11/2011 to 5/25/2015

Information extracted from "Dragonflies and Damselflies of South Africa" by Michael J Samways, which also includes detailed descriptions of each species.