Top 20 Most Common Insects in Cape Town

The Early Darter (Sympetrum fonscolombii) is a species of dragonfly in the family of the leaflets (Libellulidae), which belongs to the great dragonfly (Anisoptera).

The face of the mature male is deep red, the vertex and top of the frons having a purple sheen. The eyes are deep red and the labium deep yellow with a dark brown stripe in the centre. The synthorax is red with black stripes; mature males often have a purple bloom on the upper thorax.The wings have bright red veins and orange makings at their bases. The pterostigmas are 2.5 - 2.5 mm long and dark brown. The slender abdomen is bright red; S6-S8 have black wedges on each side; S9 and S10 are black. Females have similar markings, but the abdomen and face are yellow to yellowish brown. The sides of the synthorax are pale yellow-brown, as are the lower sides of S1-S3.

Adult females can be from 3 - 4 cm long. Males are slightly smaller (body length 2.5 cm) and have dark brown wings, which are absent in females. It is stoutly built, with a reddish head and brown to black body segments with prominent yellow margins. The femora are heavily spined, with the hind tibiae having two very broad ridges with only two rows of spurs. Family groups are found in late summer and autumn: a brood of black nymphs, a wingless female and two or more males, all living in a hidden crack. When alarmed, it raises its abdomen into the air and squeaks loudly; it also releases a foul-smelling liquid from glands on the back when handled and alarmed, producing an indelible brown stain on skin.

The Senegal Pechlibelle (Ischnura senegalensis) is a dragonfly from the family of the slender dragonflies (Coenagrionidae).

The wingspan is 1.8 - 2.5 cm for males and 2 - 2.5 cm for females.

A particularly hated invasive species in North America, european paper wasp (Polistes dominula) is well-known for its tendency to nest on human porches and sting if approached. Nests are controlled by a dominant female queen, who lays most of the eggs. Dominance among individuals can be predicted by the shape, size and number of spots they display, with more spots signaling greater dominance within the nest.

The animal belongs to the genus Argiope. The scientific name of the species was first validly published in 1805 by Charles Athanase Walckenaer.

Crocothemis erythraea can reach a length of 3.5 - 4.5 cm. These dragonflies haves a flattened and rather broad abdomen. The adult male scarlet dragonfly has a bright scarlet red, widened abdomen, with small amber patches at the bases of the hindwings. Also the veins on the leading edges of the wings are red. Females and immatures are yellow-brown and have a conspicuous pale stripe along the top of the thorax.

Southern harvester termite have the stunning ability of maintaining fungus gardens within their colonies, showcasing an intricate form of agriculture. These fungi are nutrient-rich, providing essential nourishment for their larva. Not only does their farming practice contribute to decomposing plant matter in the environment, but also aids bacterial and fungal dispersion in the soil. Additionally, an intricate trail pheromone system helps southern harvester termite navigate their surroundings and communicate internally across the vast network of their intricate colony.

Acanthacris ruficornis is a right-winged insect from the field locust family (Acrididae). The scientific name of this species was first validly published in 1787 by Fabricius.