Pseudagrion (A) malagasoides Pinhey, 1973
Floodforest Sprite

Type locality: Bendja, Liberia

Diagnosis

Male is similar to numerous other Pseudagrion A species by (a) typically robust and generally widespread; (b) antehumeral stripe usually narrower and entire, rarely as described above or absent; (c) legs usually at least broadly marked with black; (d) cerci branched, with clear gap between branches. However, species set apart from the rest by (1) ranging from DRC to W Africa; (2) thorax pale blue and brown rather than extensively black, with black dots on humeral, interpleural and metapleural sutures; antehumeral stripes indistinct; (3) legs largely pale, rather than being marked with black; (4) tarsal claws with single hook; (5) elongate upper branch of cerci extends beyond broad and rounded lower branch, appearing like pointing hand in lateral view; (6) paraprocts broad and rounded, rather than pointed and up-turned in lateral view. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014; this diagnosis not yet verified by author]

Habitat description

Standing and mostly temporary waters shaded by forest. Probably especially flooded pools in stream beds with emergent vegetation, submerged roots and/or coarse detritus. From 0 to 800 m above sea level.

Distribution

Appendages (dorsal view)

Appendages (lateral view)

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):

Reference

• Pinhey, E.C.G. (1973). Notes on some African representatives of the genus Pseudagrion Selys, 1876, with descriptions of two new species (Zygoptera: Coenagrionidae). Odonatologica, 2, 317-327. [PDF file]

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