Azuragrion nigridorsum (Selys, 1876)
Sailing Bluet
Type locality: Zanzibar, Tanzania
Diagnosis
Male is similar to A. vansomereni by (a) postclypeus black; (b) metapleural and interpleural sutures with (almost) no black; (c) antehumeral stripe separated from mesepimeral blue by complete humeral black stripe; (d) antehumeral stripe narrower than halfwidth of mesepisternum; (e) dorsal black S3-7 broad and continuous; (f) S8-9 largely blue; (g) dorsum of S8-9 basally black; (h) cerci with short concealed lower branch. However, differs by (1) ranging from Arabia to S Africa; (2) larger size, Hw 13-15 mm; (3) cerci about as long as paraprocts, rather than distinctly longer. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014; this diagnosis not yet verified by author]
Habitat description
Standing and often temporary waters, but also streams, in open landscapes, but sometimes in open areas in forest or shaded by gallery forest. Often with emergent and usually aquatic vegetation, and often a soft (like muddy) bottom, along streams especially at pools. From 0 to 2400 m above sea level, but mostly below 1700.
Distribution
Male © Robert Ketelaar
 Appendages (lateral view) |
 Penis (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):
Adult, male; South Africa, Western Cape, Hottentots-Holland Nature Reserve © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.
Adult, male; Angola, Uige Province, Negage © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.
Adult, female; Zimbabwe, Manicaland, northside of Nyanga National Park © Dijkstra, K.-D.B. & U. Bjelke
Adult, male; Zimbabwe, Manicaland, northside of Nyanga National Park © Dijkstra, K.-D.B. & U. Bjelke
Adult, male; Zimbabwe, Manicaland, Mt Selinda-Chipinge road © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.
Adult, male; Zimbabwe, Manicaland, Mt Selinda-Chipinge road © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.
References
- Balinsky, B.I. (1961). Observations on the dragonfly fauna of the coastal region of Zululand, with descriptions of three new species (Odonata). Journal Entomological Society Southern Africa, 24, 72-91. [PDF file]
- Pinhey, E.C.G. (1961). Dragonflies (Odonata) of Central Africa. Occasional Papers Rhodes-Livingstone Museum, 14, 1-97. [PDF file]
- Schmidt, E. (1951). Libellen aus Portugiesisch Guinea, mit Bemerkungen über andere aethiopische Odonaten. Arquivos Museu Bocage, 20, 125-200. [PDF file]
Citation: Dijkstra, K.-D.B (editor). African Dragonflies and Damselflies Online. http://addo.adu.org.za/ [2024-10-31].
