About Spesbona angusta (Selys, 1863)
Adults of Spesbona angusta are very small, slender damselflies, with a total body length of around 28–30 mm (1.1–1.2 in) and a wingspan of 35–38 mm (1.4–1.5 in). This species is sexually dichromatic, and both sexes change their colouration based on ambient temperature. When cold, males are entirely matte black; as temperature increases, they develop increasingly bright blue-toned patches ranging from grey to azure to mauve on their head, thorax, and abdomen. When cold, females are entirely dull brownish-grey; as temperature increases, they develop brighter patches on sections of their head and thorax. Spesbona angusta has a restricted range limited to the southwestern part of Western Cape Province, South Africa, occurring at around 400 m (1,300 ft) above sea level. The species was first documented near Ceres, but no individuals have been recorded there since 1920, as a result of habitat degradation. Currently, the species is only known to exist in the area around Dutoitsrivier, near Villiersdorp. In this region, it inhabits areas near pools in braided rivers and streams that are surrounded by fynbos vegetation and host floating Aponogeton plants. Adult Spesbona angusta are active in flight from November to February, and generally remain close to water. Males fly actively over the water surface, but regularly perch horizontally on twigs and plant stems. Females often fly over the water alongside males, but will also perch in bushes or on grass several meters away from the water.
