Genus Libellula Linnaeus, 1758
chasers

Type species: Libellula quadrimaculata 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

Bulky medium-sized dragonflies, with diagnostic large blackish triangular patches at the hindwing base, normally crossed by pale veins. With 12-16 antenodal cross-veins, and the only libellulid genus in North Africa with more than one cross-vein in the long triangular space below the subnode (so-called bridge space). Mature males of Diplacodes lefebvrii have dark hindwing patches but are much smaller, sleeker and darker. Orthetrum species can be similarly robust and pruinose, but never have more than a slight yellow colouring at the wing base. [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.

Reference

• Dijkstra, K.-D.B. and Lewington, R. (2006). Field guide to the Dragonflies of Britain and Europe. British Wildlife Publishing, 1-320.

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