Giant African Dragonfly, Anax tristis,
Order Odonata
The giant African Dragonfly Anax tristis
has a wingspan exceeding 133 mm and a body length greater than 110mm. It
occurs in eastern Zimbabwe. Very little is known about its behaviour, except
that it is a very fast flier. This would be an interesting insect to study
for a school project! The largest Dragonfly in South Africa is probably
Anax speratus Hagen, which may have a wingspan greater than 120mm.
Most dragonflies have aquatic larvae, usually
called nymphs. They are able to use oxygen that is dissolved in the water.
Dragonfly nymphs are predators of other aquatic insects and small vertebrates
such as small tadpoles and fish. They in turn are preyed on by larger fish
and aquatic frogs like Xenopus.
Information found here: Transvaal
Museum |
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