Pseudagrion (A) vumbaense Balinsky, 1963
Vumba Sprite

Type locality: Vumba mountains, east of Umtali [= Mutare], Zimbabwe

Diagnosis

Male is similar to P. vumbaense by (a) mostly species of open or montane habitats, local in highlands; (b) realtively small, Hw 16-20 mm; (c) frons andAbd usually pruinose, as are often head and/or thorax; (d) green confined to genae, frons posterior to postclypeus dark; (e) cerci without separate internal tooth near base, although basal end of flange on lower branch may be angled or toothed (dorsal view). Cerci long, at least 1.5x as long as paraprocts, lower branch (usually) distinctly longer than upper, gap usually prominent. However, differs by (1) being restricted to E Zimbabwe; (2) labrum black with green border, rather than green with black at base; (3) Pt brown rather than blackish, and mesepisternum with pruinose antehumeral stripe with maturity; (4) cerci with short flange on lower branch and inner border distinctly swollen at base (dorsal view). [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014; this diagnosis not yet verified by author]

Habitat description

Streams in open landscapes. Often boggy, usually with emergent vegetation. Inferred to occur from 900 to 2100 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

• Balinsky, B.I. (1963). A contribution towards the systematics of dragonflies of southern Africa (Odonata). Journal Entomological Society Southern Africa, 26, 228-255. [PDF file]

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