Pseudagrion (B) hamoni Fraser, 1955
Swarthy Sprite
Type locality: Yabasso, Burkina Faso
Diagnosis
Male is similar to P. niloticum by (a) face usually reddish, sometimes yellow, postocular spots and antehumeral stripes often present; (b) at least tibiae pale, contrasting with femora when these are dark; (c) lateral lobes of penis drawn out in points, directed away from apex; (d) paraprocts at most slightly longer than cerci; not hatchet-shaped, and with pointed apex (dorsal view). However, differs by (1) being widespread; (2) face and mesepisternum usually strongly darkened, with little contrast, antehumeral stripe often completely obscured by darkening; (3) apical lobes of penis long rather than short; (4) paraprocts directed backwards rather than being curved upwards, andoften with low dorsal knob (lateral view). [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014; this diagnosis not yet verified by author]
Habitat description
Standing and probably often temporary waters, rivers and streams in open landscapes. Usually with emergent vegetation. From 0 to 2200 m above sea level, but mostly below 1400, although possibly up to 2600.
Distribution
Male © Jens Kipping
 Appendages (dorsal view) |
 Appendages (lateral view) |
 Penis (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):
Male; Democratic Republic of Congo, Katanga, © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.
Adult, male; Zimbabwe, Manicaland, below Vumba Mts, Burma Valley © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.
Adult, female; Zimbabwe, Manicaland, below Vumba Mts, Burma Valley © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.
Adult, male; Zimbabwe, Manicaland, below Vumba Mts, Burma Valley © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.
References
- Fraser, F. C. (1955). Odonata collected by J. Hamon in French West Africa. Revue francaise Entomologie, 22, 237-243. [PDF file]
- Pinhey, E.C.G. (1967). Odonata Zygoptera. Exploration Hydrobiologique Bassin Lac Bangweolo Luapula, 14, 1-43. [PDF file]
- Dumont, H. J. (1978). On confusion about the identity of Pseudagrion acaciae Foerster, 1906, with the description of P. niloticum spec. nov., and on the identity of P. hamoni Fraser, 1955 (Zygoptera: Coenagrionidae). Odonatologica, 7, 123-133. [PDF file]
- Pinhey, E.C.G. (1962). Some records of Odonata collected in tropical Africa. Journal Entomological Society Southern Africa, 25, 20-50. [PDF file]
Citation: Dijkstra, K.-D.B (editor). African Dragonflies and Damselflies Online. http://addo.adu.org.za/ [2024-10-30].
