Tetrathemis corduliformis Longfield, 1936
Club-tailed Elf

Type locality: Nyamagita Dam, Budongo Forest, Uganda

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. However, distinct by combination of (1) S10 at most as long as S9 (dorsal view); (2) cerci distinctly longer than epiproct; (3) cerci diverge and lack a strong lateral tooth; (4) epiproct rectangular rather than triangular, with broad apex. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014]

Habitat description

Standing and mostly temporary waters shaded by forest. Usually with overhanging branches, coarse detritus and often a soft (like muddy) bottom, probably especially pools in stream beds. From 1000 to 1700 m above sea level.

Distribution

Appendages (dorsal view)	Appendages (lateral view)
Abdominal segments 1-2 (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.

References

• Longfield, C. (1936). Studies on African Odonata, with synonymy and descriptions of new species and subspecies. Transactions Royal Entomological Society London, 85, 467-498. [PDF file]
• Fraser, F.C. (1954). Further notes and descriptions of new species of Libellulidae from tropical Africa. Revue Zoologie Botanique Africaines, 50, 252-268. [PDF file]

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