Pseudagrion (A) makabusiense Pinhey, 1950
Makabusi Sprite

Type locality: Makabuzi [now in Harare], Zimbabwe

Diagnosis

Male is similar to P. melanicterum by (a) mostly species of forested or shaded habitats; (b) postclypeus all black, if partly pale then blue; (c) seldom pruinose, at most (partly) on thorax and Abd base; (d) apex of S7 with prominent pale dorsal marking; (e) cerci with lower branch not bent inwards but in line with upper branch; lower branch bearing flange that ends with 1-2 teeth near base; (f) cerci with second tooth placed between tooth at basal end of flange and base (dorsal view). However, differs by (1) ranging from Katanga to N South Africa; (2) continuous, rather than interrupted, band across frons and base of postclypeus violet-blue, rather than yellow to blue (but can appear all dark in preservation); (3) cerci with narrower gap and rather rectangular lower border. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014; this diagnosis not yet verified by author]

Habitat description

Mostly streams, but also rivers, in open landscapes, but sometimes shaded by gallery forest. Usually with emergent vegetation and probably a gravelly and/or sandy bottom. From 900 to 1700 m above sea level, but mostly between 1100 and 1500, although possibly down to 100.

Distribution

confirmed: Angola; Democratic Republic of the Congo; Mozambique; Republic of South Africa; Zambia; Zimbabwe


Male © Jens Kipping


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.


References

  • Pinhey, E.C.G. (1950). New species of Odonata from southern Africa. Annals Transvaal Museum, 21, 260-272. [PDF file]
  • Pinhey, E.C.G. (1961). Dragonflies (Odonata) of Central Africa. Occasional Papers Rhodes-Livingstone Museum, 14, 1-97. [PDF file]
  • Pinhey, E.C.G. (1967). Odonata Zygoptera. Exploration Hydrobiologique Bassin Lac Bangweolo Luapula, 14, 1-43. [PDF file]

Citation: Dijkstra, K.-D.B (editor). African Dragonflies and Damselflies Online. http://addo.adu.org.za/ [2024-03-19].