Elattoneura cellularis (Grünberg, 1902)
Zambezi Threadtail

Synonyms:

• scientific: Isomecocnemis cellularis; E. tropicalis Pinhey, 1974
• vernacular: Tropical T.

Type locality: Langenburg, Tanzania

Diagnosis

Male is similar to E. pasquinii by (a) being rarely found in dense forest; (b) frons pruinose with maturity; (c) eyes largely blue in life, rather than dark; (d) ventral process of cerci with 1 tooth. However, differs by (1) being restricted to Tanzania and further south; (2) pruinosity of mesepisternum may be confined to antehumeral stripe; (3) penis without lateral branches. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014]

Habitat description

Streams shaded by gallery forest, but sometimes in open areas in forest or open landscapes. Often with a gravelly and/or sandy bottom. From 200 to 1800 m above sea level, but mostly between 800 and 1500.

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):

References

• Grünberg, K. (1902). Sitzungsberichte Gesellschaft naturforschender Freunde Berlin, 1902, 230-237.
• Pinhey, E.C.G. (1974). Three undescribed odonata taxa from Africa. Arnoldia, 7, 1-6. [PDF file]

Citation: Dijkstra, K.-D.B (editor). African Dragonflies and Damselflies Online. http://addo.adu.org.za/ [2024-10-06].