Orthetrum icteromelas Ris, 1910
Spectacled Skimmer
Type locality: Madagascar, no locality data available.
Diagnosis
Males seem quite average for Orthetrum by (a) absence of whitish stripes on thorax; (b) Pt usually 3 mm or longer, 10% of Hw length or more; (c) lobe of hamule prominent, space between it and hook usually gaping cleft. However, is distinctive by (1) favouring marshes like oxbows or lily ponds; (2) frontal shields ringed with black, like spectacles (these absent if young); (3) Abd as long as Hw or longer; (4) when not pruinose, pale markings on S4-6 form longitudinal streaks closer to lateral than dorsal carinae. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014]
Habitat description
Standing and probably often temporary waters in open landscapes. Usually with emergent and aquatic vegetation, often with a soft (like muddy) bottom. From 0 to 1800 m above sea level, but mostly below 1500.
Distribution
Male (mature) © Allan Brandon
Male (young) © Allan Brandon
 Abdominal segment 2 (lateral view) |
 Head (front) |
Map citation: Clausnitzer, V., K.-D.B. Dijkstra, R. Koch, J.-P. Boudot, W.R.T. Darwall, J. Kipping, B. Samraoui, M.J. Samways, J.P. Simaika & F. Suhling, 2012. Focus on African Freshwaters: hotspots of dragonfly diversity and conservation concern. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment 10: 129-134.
Barcode specimen(s):
Male; Democratic Republic of Congo, Province Orientale, Kisangani © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.
Female; Democratic Republic of Congo, Province Orientale, Kisangani © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.
Male; Liberia, Nimba County, Yekepa © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.
Female; Liberia, Nimba County, Yekepa © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.
Female; Liberia, Nimba County, Yekepa © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.
Male; Democratic Republic of Congo, Katanga, © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.
Female; Democratic Republic of Congo, Katanga, © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.
References
- Ris, F. (1910). Libellulinen 2. Fasc. X in Collections Zoologiques du Baron Edm. de Selys Longchamps. Brussels : Institut royal des Sciences naturelles de Belgique, 10, 121-244.
- Ris, F. (1921). The Odonata or Dragonflies of South Africa. Annals South African Museum, XVIII, 245-452. [PDF file]
- Longfield, C. (1936). Studies on African Odonata, with synonymy and descriptions of new species and subspecies. Transactions Royal Entomological Society London, 85, 467-498. [PDF file]
- Balinsky, B.I. (1961). Observations on the dragonfly fauna of the coastal region of Zululand, with descriptions of three new species (Odonata). Journal Entomological Society Southern Africa, 24, 72-91. [PDF file]
- Pinhey, E.C.G. (1961). Dragonflies (Odonata) of Central Africa. Occasional Papers Rhodes-Livingstone Museum, 14, 1-97. [PDF file]
- Pinhey, E.C.G. (1966). Check-list of dragonflies (Odonata) from Malawi, with description of a new Teinobasis Kirby. Arnoldia, 2, 1-24. [PDF file]
- Schouteden, H. (1934). Annales Musee Congo belge Zoologie 3 Section 2, 3, 1-84. [PDF file]
- Lieftinck, M.A. (1969). Odonates Anisoptères - Odonata Anisoptera. Explor. hydrob. Lac Bangweolo and Luapula, 14, 1-64. [PDF file]
- Schmidt, E. (1951). Libellen aus Portugiesisch Guinea, mit Bemerkungen über andere aethiopische Odonaten. Arquivos Museu Bocage, 20, 125-200. [PDF file]
- Longfield, C. (1955). The Odonata of N. Angola. Part I. Publicacoes culturais Companhia Diamantes Angola, 27, 11-63. [PDF file]
Citation: Dijkstra, K.-D.B (editor). African Dragonflies and Damselflies Online. http://addo.adu.org.za/ [2024-11-15].
