Pseudagrion (A) thenartum Fraser, 1955
Orange Slim Sprite

Type locality: Uele, Bambesa, DRC

Diagnosis

Male is similar to P. simplicilaminatum by (a) slender forest species, ranging from DRC to W; (b) antehumeral stripe at least as broad as half-width of mesepisternum, constricted or broken near dorsal end; (c) at least tibiae and often femora largely pale; (d) cerci not branched in lateral view. However, differs by (1) larger size, Hw 21-24 mm; (2) thorax, including antehumeral stripe, and postocular spots orange (yellow when preserved), rather than blue; (3) Pt yellow, rather than black; (4) cerci club-shaped, rather than awl-shaped, with rounded apices. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014; this diagnosis not yet verified by author]

Habitat description

Mostly headwater streams, but also seeps, springs and possibly standing waters, shaded by forest. Usually with coarse detritus and/or a sandy bottom and probably especially calmer sections (like pools) with emergent vegetation. From 200 to 700 m above sea level.

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.

Barcode specimen(s):

Reference

• Fraser, F.C. (1955). Four new species of Odonata from the Belgian Congo. Revue Zoologie Botanique Africaines, 52,17-24. [PDF file]

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