Nesciothemis nigeriensis Gambles, 1966
Greater Peppertail

Synonyms:

  • scientific: Limnetothemis erythra Pinhey, 1966
  • vernacular: Northern Redtail

Type locality: Agulu Lake, near Awka, Nigeria

Diagnosis

Male is similar to N. fitzgeraldi by largely red S7-10. However, differs by (1) ranging from NE DRC and Gabon to W Africa; (2) larger size, Hw 31-34 mm; (3)S1-4 largely pruinose, S5-9 all red, S10 laterally broadly black. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014]

Habitat description

Standing waters in open landscapes, but also open areas in forest. Usually with emergent vegetation. From 0 to 700 m above sea level.

Distribution

confirmed: Democratic Republic of the Congo; Gabon; Guinee-Bissau; Liberia; Nigeria; Sierra Leone; NOT confirmed: Central African Republic


Male © Jens Kipping


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):


Female; Liberia, Nimba County, © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.


Male; Liberia, Nimba County, © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.


Female; Liberia, Nimba County, © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.

Reference

  • Gambles, R.M. (1966). Two new species of Nesciothemis Longfield, 1955 (Odonata) from Nigeria. Entomologist, 1966, 162-173. [PDF file]

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