Blue Basker dragonfly

Afrikaans name: Blousonvangertjie

Blue Basker

Photo © Steven Herbert

Urothemis edwardsii

The Blue Basker is a medium-sized dragonfly. It is around 4 cm in length and has a wingspan of nearly 8 cm. Males are blue with some black at the base of the hind wings. Females are yellowish-brown and are similar to many other female dragonflies.

In South Africa the Blue Basker is found in the eastern and north-eastern regions but beyond our borders it occurs over much of sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East.

They are normally found near bodies of water that are lined with reeds and other plant life. It can be found at altitudes from sea level to around 1,600 metres.

They are only seen during summer.

The Blue Basker is a strong flyer but does not spend much time on the wing. It soon returns to its favourite perch.

References and further reading

Sasol First Field Guide to Dragonflies of Southern Africa - Author: Warren and Vienessa Goodwin - Published: 0 - Page: 55

A Guide to the Dragonflies and Damselflies of South Africa - Author: Warwick and Michele Tarboton - Published: 2015 - Page: 210

For more info: Dragonflies and Damselflies

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