Aeshna mixta Latreille, 1805
Migrant Hawker

Type locality: environs of Paris, France

Diagnosis

It is usually identified by its size, relatively dull colours and the diagnostic yellow ‘nail’ mark at the abdomen base. Distinctly smaller than most Aeshna, except A. affinis, which see for a comparison. The upperside S2, with its central T- or nail-shaped yellow marking, is most notable in mature males, where it contrasts with the blue abdominal spotting; females and fresh male have yellowish spots. The antehumeral stripes are reduced to a short yellow stripe in both sexes. Together with A. affinis, differs from most Aeshna by having two (not three) columns of cells in the anal loop, three (not two) cells in the anal triangle and seven to nine (not more) cross-veins between the node and pterostigma. Unlike A. affinis, the male upper appendages are without a tooth on the underside near the base, and the female appendages are longer than S9-10 combined. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Lewington 2006]

Habitat description

Standing and probably often temporary waters in open landscapes, but sometimes also open areas in forest. Usually with emergent and often aquatic vegetation. From 0 to 600 m above sea level, but possibly up to 2100.

Distribution

confirmed: Algeria; Egypt; Morocco; Tunisia

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

  • Latreille, P.A. (1805). Histoire naturelle, générale et particuliere des Crustacés et des Insectes. Ouvrage faisant suite aux oeuvres de Leclerc de Buffon et partie du cours complet d'Histoire naturell rédigé Paris, 13, 1-432.

Citation: Dijkstra, K.-D.B (editor). African Dragonflies and Damselflies Online. http://addo.adu.org.za/ [2024-10-08].