Anax bangweuluensis Kimmins, 1955
Swamp Emperor

Type locality: Lake Bangweulu, Zambia

Diagnosis

Male recalls speratus-group of Anax by (a) dorsum of frons unmarked; (b) femora reddish, contrasting with black tibiae; (c) Abd orange to red without black markings. However, set apart by (1) being restricted to large marshes from N Zambia to N Botswana; (2) relatively smaller size, Hw 43-48 mm; (3) wing bases with orange to brown subcostal rays; (4) S10 without small process between the cerci (accessory lamina); (5) cerci distinctly more than 2x as long as epiproct, with narrowed apex (dorsal view) and distinct ventral lump near base (lateral view). [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014]

Habitat description

Mostly flowing channels in marshes, but also rivers and possibly standing waters, in open landscapes. Usually with emergent and often aquatic vegetation, and probably often blackwater. From 900 to 1200 m above sea level.

Distribution

confirmed: Botswana; Namibia; Zambia


© Jens Kipping


Appendages (dorsal 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

  • Kimmins, D.E. (1955). Three new species of African Odonata. Entomologist, 88, 109-113. [PDF file]
  • Pinhey, E.C.G. (1961). Dragonflies (Odonata) of Central Africa. Occasional Papers Rhodes-Livingstone Museum, 14, 1-97. [PDF file]

Citation: Dijkstra, K.-D.B (editor). African Dragonflies and Damselflies Online. http://addo.adu.org.za/ [2024-03-28].