Orthetrum macrostigma Longfield, 1947
Sharkfin Skimmer
Type locality: Lunda, DRC
Diagnosis
Male is similar to O. latihami by (a) thorax without whitish stripes; (b) 2 cell-rows in radial planate, sum of cell-doublings in all wings 11-29, rarely down to only 4; (c) Pt 3.5-5 mm, 13-15% of Hw length; (d) anterior lamina does not reach over hook of hamule, with notched apex; (e) lobe of hamule prominent, space between it and hook usually gaping cleft. However, differs by (1) ranging from Katanga to Mozambique; (2) larger size, Hw 30-32 mm; (3) labium all pale rather than broadly black; (4) dorsal carina of Abd often black (when not pruinose); (5) hook of hamule large, like shark fin, widely separated from small and pointed lobe. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014]
Habitat description
Standing and often temporary waters, headwater streams, seeps and springs in open landscapes. Often boggy with emergent and usually aquatic vegetation, a soft (like muddy) bottom, and probably coarse detritus. From 1200 to 1700 m above sea level, but possibly down to 500 and up to 2300.
Distribution
 Abdominal segment 2 (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):
Male; Democratic Republic of Congo, Katanga, Kundelungu National Park © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.
Male; Democratic Republic of Congo, Katanga, Kundelungu National Park © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.
Adult, male; Angola, Uige Province, Negage © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.
Adult, female; Angola, Uige Province, Negage © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.
Male; Democratic Republic of Congo, Province Equateur, Lower Itimbiri © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.
Male; Democratic Republic of Congo, Province Orientale, © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.
Male; Liberia, Nimba County, Mt Tokadeh © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.
Female; Democratic Republic of Congo, Katanga, © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.
Male; Democratic Republic of Congo, Katanga, © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.
Adult, male; Angola, Uige Province, new campus site and environs © Clausnitzer, V. & Dijkstra, K.-D.B.
Adult, male; Angola, Uige Province, Negage © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.
References
- Longfield, C. (1947). The Odonata of South Angola. Results of the missions scientifiques suisses 1928-29, 1932-33. Arquivos Museu Bocage, 16, 1-31. [PDF file]
- Longfield, C. (1936). Studies on African Odonata, with synonymy and descriptions of new species and subspecies. Transactions Royal Entomological Society London, 85, 467-498. [PDF file]
- Pinhey, E.C.G. (1961). Dragonflies (Odonata) of Central Africa. Occasional Papers Rhodes-Livingstone Museum, 14, 1-97. [PDF file]
- Longfield, C. (1955). The Odonata of N. Angola. Part I. Publicacoes culturais Companhia Diamantes Angola, 27, 11-63. [PDF file]
Citation: Dijkstra, K.-D.B (editor). African Dragonflies and Damselflies Online. http://addo.adu.org.za/ [2024-10-30].
