Common Thorntail

Common Thorntail Dragonflies

 The Common Thorntail or (Ceratogomphus pictus) is a dragonfly in the order of Gomphidae. It is as its name suggests common and is found throughout  most of South Africa.Its Flight period is mainly between Dec-to-Apr. It is however occasional seen as early as October or as late as May.

Identification

The male common thorntail has a yellow and light green thorax with thin black bands. Their abdomens are yellow with black lateral markings, and on there tail is a large yellow flap or lump with a black edge. His eyes are a grayish blue.

The females look almost exactly like the males only their abdomens are much less clearly marked with blackish brown. They also do not have the small yellow-black-rimmed lump on their tails. 

 Their wings are clear with a faint greenish tint and span 60mm.

Habitat

Their natural habitats are on the edges of ponds and slow flowing streams. They are ground perches and therefore often land up resting on bare patches of sand or on small rocks.   

Common Thorntail Male

Common Thorntail Male

 Common Thorntail Female