Brachythemis impartita (Karsch, 1890)
Northern Banded Groundling

Type locality: Ngaoundaba Ranch, Cameroon

Diagnosis

Male is similar to B. leucosticta by (a) wings clear at base, but develop dark brown band between node and Pt; (b) 2-6 cell-doublings in radial planate of all wings (count those cells touching Rspl, but not IR3), though very rarely none; (c) Abd brown to black with maturity. However, differs by (1) ranging from Lake Victoria to W Africa and Eurasia; (2) anterior and posterior borders of Pt proximally pale rather than dark, as are veins posterior to Pt (dorsal view); (3) genital lobe often largely pale rather than dark, even in darker males; (4) ventral carinae of S8 straight, at most slightly kinked, with few dispersed denticles; (5) epiproct usually reaching well beyond ventral tooth of cerci. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014]

Habitat description

Rivers, large lakes and other standing waters in open landscapes. Often with bare banks and probably a sandy and/or soft (like muddy) bottom. From 0 to 2100 m above sea level, but mostly at lower elevations.

Distribution

Abdominal segments 8-10 (ventral 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):

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