Cordulegaster princeps Morton, 1916
Atlas Goldenring

Type locality: Morocco, no locality data available.

Diagnosis

Replaces C. boltonii in most of the Moroccan Atlas. It is identifiable by its large size, the shape of the abdominal markings, the largely black S9-10, and the largely pale area behind the eyes. The abdominal markings on S3-6 do not descend as in C. boltonii, but end in a point halfway down. They are broadly connected dorsally on S2-8 and on S3-7 are indented both at the fore and at the hind margin (view from above). S9 has a basal yellow spot, S10 is usually all black, unlike C. boltonii. Foreside of frons and occipital triangle are yellow, as C. boltonii, but the back of the head (behind eyes) is largely yellow. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Lewington 2006]

Habitat description

Streams, headwaters, seeps and springs in open landscapes, but sometimes shaded by gallery forest or in forest clearings. Often faster sections with coarse detritus and a sandy and/or soft (like muddy) bottom. Inferred to occur from 700 to 2700 m above sea level, but mostly between 1100 and 2100.

Distribution

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

• Morton, K.J. (1916). Some palaearctic species of Cordulegaster. Transactions Entomological Society London, 4, 273-290.

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