Aethiothemis ellioti (Lieftinck, 1969)
Plump Flasher

Synonyms:

  • scientific: Lokia ellioti

Type locality: Ikelenge District, Zambia

Diagnosis

Male is similar to A. gamblesi by (a) ranging from Katanga to N Zambia and Angola; (b) fairly large size, Hw 27-35 mm; (c) labium uniformly pale yellow to brown, at most darkened on central lobe; (d) thorax at most marked faintly on humeral and metapleural sutures and Abd along dorsal and lateral carinae (or both darkened and/or pruinose overall); (e) Fw triangle of 2 cells, subtriangle of 3-4, but both sometimes just of 1; (f) costa pale, contrasting with dark subcosta and anterior vein of Pt; (g) subcostal cross-veins pale, contrasting with dark subcosta and median vein; (h) tibiae black with pale yellow or brown streaks; (i) hind femur with 30-35 denticles in outer anterior row; (j) Abd broad, S3 at most 1.5x as long as wide (dorsal view); (k) venter of Abd yellow to pale orange or brown, dorsum pruinose with maturity. However, differs by (1) very long hook and narrow lobe of hamule; (2) arculus usually proximal to Ax2 (check all wings). [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014]

Habitat description

Standing and probably often temporary waters in open landscapes. Usually boggy and with emergent vegetation. From 1100 to 1900 m above sea level, but possibly down to 500.

Distribution

confirmed: Angola; Democratic Republic of the Congo; Zambia

Abdomen (dorsal view)

Abdominal segment 2 (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):


Adult, female; Angola, Uige Province, Negage © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.


Adult, male; Angola, Uige Province, Negage © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.


Adult, male; Angola, Uige Province, Negage © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.


Female; Democratic Republic of Congo, Katanga, Upemba National Park © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.


Male; Democratic Republic of Congo, Katanga, Upemba National Park © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.


Male; Democratic Republic of Congo, Katanga, Upemba National Park © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.


Male; Democratic Republic of Congo, Katanga, Upemba National Park © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.


Male; Democratic Republic of Congo, Katanga, Upemba National Park © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.

Reference

  • Lieftinck, M.A. (1969). Odonates Anisoptères - Odonata Anisoptera. Explor. hydrob. Lac Bangweolo and Luapula, 14, 1-64. [PDF file]

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