Zygonyx natalensis (Martin, 1900)
Blue Cascader
Type locality: Natal, South Africa
Diagnosis
Male is similar to Z. torridus by (a) widespread; (b) dorsum of thorax without pale cross-band anterior to antealar sinus; (c) 9½-11½ Ax in Fw; (d) hind legs (largely) black, with femoral denticles directed towards apex of femur; (e) apex of anterior lamina blunt and uncurved; (f) S7 unmarked, pruinose, or marked with spots similar to those on preceding segments. However, differs by (1) smaller size, Hw 35-40 mm; (2) labrum at least with pale spots; (3) all wings without cell-doublings in radial planate; (4) hamule with small point; (5) S4-8 all dark, pruinose or with narrow or indistinct lateral pale streaks; (6) cerci sinuous. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014]
Habitat description
Rivers and streams in open landscapes, but sometimes in open areas in forest or shaded by gallery forest. Especially faster sections (rapids, falls), usually with rocks. From 0 to 2200 m above sea level, but mostly below 1900.
Distribution
Male © Adolfo Cordero
 Appendages (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.
Barcode specimen(s):
Male; Tanzania, Kigoma Region, Lower Malagarasi Basin © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.
Male; Democratic Republic of Congo, Katanga, © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.
Male; Democratic Republic of Congo, Katanga, © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.
Male; Democratic Republic of Congo, Katanga, Upemba National Park © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.
Adult, male; Angola, Cuanza Norte Province, Ndalatando © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.
Adult, male; Angola, Uige Province, © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.
Adult, male; Zimbabwe, Manicaland, © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.
References
- Martin, R. (1900). Odonates nouveaux ou peu connus. Bulletin Museum Histoire Naturelle,3, 103-108.
- Ris, F. (1921). The Odonata or Dragonflies of South Africa. Annals South African Museum, XVIII, 245-452. [PDF file]
- Pinhey, E.C.G. (1961). Dragonflies (Odonata) of Central Africa. Occasional Papers Rhodes-Livingstone Museum, 14, 1-97. [PDF file]
- Pinhey, E.C.G. (1966). Check-list of dragonflies (Odonata) from Malawi, with description of a new Teinobasis Kirby. Arnoldia, 2, 1-24. [PDF file]
- Schouteden, H. (1934). Annales Musee Congo belge Zoologie 3 Section 2, 3, 1-84. [PDF file]
- 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/ [2024-10-08].
