Banded Groundling

Brachythemis impartita ?

a Libellulidae Dragonfly from Eldoret, Kenya, July 2014. Photo © by Michael Plagens

Female. Observed in agricultural habitat at Eldoret, Kenya. July, 2014.

Dragonflies lead a double life. The first life is an aquatic insect hunting beneath the water and concealed by growth or fallen leaves. There they consume aquatic invertebrates or even small fish. Eventually they emerge from the water, shed their exoskeleton once more, and reveal their gossamer wings. Now they become masters of airborne predation taking especially small flies including mosquitoes. People should appreciate these marvels!

a Libellulidae Dragonfly from Eldoret, Kenya, December 2014. Photo © by Michael Plagens

Observed in the same location but in December, 2014. This, I believe, is the male of the same species.

Libellulidae -- Skimmer Dragonfly Family

More Information:


Kenya Natural History

Copyright Michael J. Plagens. Page created 10 October 2014,
updated 27 Nov. 2017.