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

View lists of Odonata: Dragonflies and Damselflies by eighth degree grid square

Zygonyx natalensis
      Blue Cascader
   Mlawula

View photos in Biodiversity Explorer

Distribution: Common throughout much of South Africa up to 1000 m a.s.l. KwaZulu Natal, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, local in Western Cape Province. To East and West Africa.
Body Length: 50-52 mm
Hind Wing Length: 39-40 mm
Habitat: Rocky rivers with water falls, riffles and glides, usually bordered by bushes and trees. Also hawks among bushes and trees away from water.
Flight Period: September to May but often most abundant October to November
Features: Fairly large, medium build, blackish brown with thin, pale blue pruinescence that is usually patchy and scuffed. Cruises up and down, low over rapids and around waterfalls. Common throughout much of South Africa.
Comments: Occurrence in Eswatini confirmed by photos by Kate Braun.

5 records, from 11/28/2015 to 10/20/2019

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