Tetrathemis fraseri Legrand, 1977
Treefall Elf

Type locality: Ipassa, Makokou, Gabon

Diagnosis

Male is typical of the scarcer rainforest (from W Kenya to W Africa) Tetrathemis species by (a) interpleural stripe runs from wing base to metastigma, parallel to metapleural and humeral stripes, sometimes partly fused with humeral; (b) never pruinose and wings always clear, although base may be yellow; (c) arculus usually at or distal to Ax2; (d) Hw supratriangles with 1 cross-vein; (e) bridge spaces with 1 cross-vein; (f) lateral pale spot on S1 adjoined to similar spot on S2; (g) cerci less than 3x as long as S10, rather straight. Close to T. denticauda but distinct by combination of (1) S10 longer than S9 (dorsal view); (2) cerci strongly downcurved (lateral view), rather parallel and widening towards apex, but without lateral tooth (dorsal view); (3) dorsum of epiproct with only 4 teeth in 2 rows.

Habitat description

Standing and mostly temporary waters, but possibly also streams, shaded by forest. Often pools in stream beds, usually with overhanging branches, coarse detritus, often a soft (like muddy) bottom and/or probably emergent vegetation. From 300 to 800 m above sea level.

Distribution

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):

Reference

• Legrand, J. (1977). Deux Tetrathemis Brauer nouveaux du Gabon et la larve de l'un d'eux (Anisoptera: Libellulidae). Odonatologica, 6, 245-251. [PDF file]

Citation: Dijkstra, K.-D.B (editor). African Dragonflies and Damselflies Online. http://addo.adu.org.za/ [2024-10-05].