Pseudagrion (A) gamblesi Pinhey, 1978
Great Sprite

Type locality: Bazely Bridge, Umtali, Zimbabwe

Diagnosis

Male is similar to P. guichardi and P. kaffinum by (a) frons not pruinose, more extensively black; (b) labrum all pale; (c) antehumeral stripes and postocular spots usually well-developed; (d) 3 cells between Fw quadrilateral and subnode; (e) cerci with basal tooth present separate from (often poorly developed) flange, although it may be hard to see; (f) lower branch of cerci not so large, not strongly incurved; (g) flange of cerci not or weakly developed, at most with small blunt tooth basally. However, differs by (1) ranging from Ethiopia to South Africa; (2) larger size, Hw 25-30 mm; (3) postclypeus black with yellowish border; (4) branches of cerci short and round rather than long and pointed, gap between them small (lateral view). [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014; this diagnosis not yet verified by author]

Habitat description

Mostly rivers, but also streams, in open landscapes, but sometimes shaded by gallery forest. Often faster sections, usually with emergent vegetation and probably often submerged roots. Inferred to occur from 100 to 1700 m above sea level, but mostly between 500 and 1600.

Distribution

Appendages (dorsal view)

Appendages (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

• Pinhey, E.C.G. (1978). A new species of Pseudagrion Selys, its separation and comparisons (Odonata: Coenagrionidae). Arnoldia, 8, 1-10. [PDF file]

Citation: Dijkstra, K.-D.B (editor). African Dragonflies and Damselflies Online. http://addo.adu.org.za/ [2024-10-31].