NEW SPECIES DOCUMENTED

A RESORT in Limpopo that’s already home to a collection of unique dragonflies now has a new species to add to its list: the newly documented Eastern Scissortail dragonfly.

“Earlier this year Swadini started a project with the aim of understanding the ecosystem in and around the resort, ultimately exposing guests and students to a wealth of knowledge,” explains Marí Schoeman, marketing co-ordinator of Forever Resorts’ lodges, hotels and retreats.

The dragonfly was found and photographed, above, by Antoinette Snyman on May 20.

Swadini is home to other unique dragonflies such as Painted Sprite, Great Sprite, Lined Claspertail and Spined Fairytail.

“Dragonflies and damselflies play a key role in both the terrestrial and aquatic habitats,” said Nols van der Berg, general manager at Swadini. “Dragonflies, which evolved 300 million years ago, are nature’s pest control agents. They are predators as both nymphs and adults feed on a variety of prey including nuisance species such as mosquitoes, ants and biting flies. Dragonflies are also able to consume their own body weight in as little as half an hour.” | Sheree Bega