Genus Coenagrion Kirby, 1890
Eurasian bluets

Type species: Agrion puella Linnaeus, 1758

Introduction

For an introduction to this genus, please refer to: Dijkstra, K.-D.B. & R. Lewington, 2006. Field guide to the Dragonflies of Britain and Europe. British Wildlife Publishing. 1-320.

Diagnosis

Males are small blue damselflies marked with black. The blue areas may be (partly) greenish or whitish. Females are blacker, and more often green or brownish. Because this is a large and diverse group, the genus is best identified by the exclusion of the smaller genera (see below). A damselfly with plain pterostigmas, roundish postocular spots, antehumerals narrower than the black line below it, and two short black lines on the thorax sides, will in most cases belong to Coenagrion. Enallagma have antehumerals wider than the black line below it, as does Erythromma lindenii which differs further in numerous small details of markings. Enallagma normally has just one short black line on the thorax sides. Ischnura males have two-toned pterostigmas. Enallagma and Ischnura females possess a vulvar spine. Erythromma viridulum is darker, lacking postocular spots, and males have red eyes. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Lewington 2006]

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.

Citation: Dijkstra, K.-D.B (editor). African Dragonflies and Damselflies Online. http://addo.adu.org.za/ [2024-10-30].