Aethiothemis gamblesi (Lieftinck, 1969)
Problematic Flasher

Synonyms:

  • scientific: Lokia gamblesi

Type locality: Katanga, Kisongo, DRC

Diagnosis

Male is similar to A. ellioti 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) short hook and very broad lobe of hamule; (2) arculus at or distal to Ax2. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014]

Habitat description

Not known well, but probably standing and often temporary waters in open landscapes. From 1000 to 1400 m above sea level.

Distribution

confirmed: Zambia


© Jens Kipping


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.


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/ [2024-10-05].