Pseudagrion (B) torridum Selys, 1876
Wing-tailed Sprite

Type locality: Dakar, Senegal

Diagnosis

Male is similar to P. nubicum by (a) antehumeral stripes and postocular spots present; (b) antehumeral stripes green to blue; (c) apex of penis notched; (d) cerci small, not scoop-shaped; (e) cerci with prominent flange (long and wide wing-like internal ridge) bearing 1-2 teeth, including 1 in basal half; (f) paraprocts small, only weakly upturned. However, differs by (1) ranging from Kenya and C DRC to W and NE Africa; (2) cerci diverge strongly rather than being parallel, flange very broad rather than narrow with 2 long teeth; (3) apex of cerci a drawn-out point, rather than mouth-like notch. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014; this diagnosis not yet verified by author]

Habitat description

Mostly rivers, but also streams, standing waters and possibly large lakes, in open landscapes. Usually with emergent vegetation. From 0 to 1800 m above sea level, but mostly below 700, although possibly up to 2400.

Distribution

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.

References

• de Sélys-Longchamps, E. (1876). Synopsis des Agrionines, 5me légion: Agrion (suite). Le grand genre Agrion. Bulletin Academie royale Belgique Serie 2, 42, 490-531.
• Gerstäcker, A. (1891). Jahrbuch Hamburgischen Wissenschaftlichen Anstalten, 9, 185-191. [PDF file]
• Ris, F., and Schmidt, E. (1936). Die Pseudagrion-Arten des kontinentalen Afrika. (Insecta, Odonata). [posthumous, Schmidt based on Ris' notes - sp authorship Schmidt] Abhandlungen Senckenbergischen Naturforschenden Gesellschaft, 433, 1-68. [PDF file]
• Schmidt, E. (1951). Libellen aus Portugiesisch Guinea, mit Bemerkungen über andere aethiopische Odonaten. Arquivos Museu Bocage, 20, 125-200. [PDF file]

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