The last instar larvae of the southern African endemics Aeshna minuscula McLachlan, 1896 and A. subpupillata McLachlan, 1896 (Anisoptera: Aeshnidae)

In the past, there has been confusion in taxonomy of southern African aeshnids. From this confusion has arisen muddled and unreliable descriptions of the larvae. There are 2 confirmed good Aeshna spp„ both of which are endemic to southern Africa. Here the larvae are redescribed in detail, having been reared through in the laboratory. A comparison is also made between larvae of A. subpupillata and its close relative A. rileyi, which occurs further N in Africa.