Trithemis bredoi Fraser, 1953
River Dropwing

Type locality: Ubangi, Dula, DRC

Diagnosis

Male is similar to T. kalula by (a) ranging from N DRC to W Africa; (b) labrum often largely pale; (c) vertex and dorsum of frons dark purplish metallic; (d) venation largely pale, yellow to red, often contrasting with black veins of Pt; (e) Hw base yellow, orange or amber, colour usually surpasses Cux but excludes triangle; (f) Abd broader, S4 at most 2x as long as wide; (g) Abd largely pale, with some black markings, appears orange, red, or pruinose violet with maturity; (h) anterior lamina pointed, often with plume of long hairs; (i) hamule with long, sickle-shaped hook; (j) at least S8 with broad black marking and S9 largely black. However, differs by (1) Pt yellow to pale brown rather than brown to black, contrasting with anterior and posterior black veins; (2) S4-8 not black laterally; (3) usually 9½-10½ Ax in Fw; (4) anterior lamina and hamule largely pale rather than blackish; (5) dorsum of S8 broadly black rather than pale. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014]

Habitat description

Rivers in open landscapes, but possibly also in open areas in forest. Often with emergent vegetation. From 100 to 700 m above sea level, but possibly up to 1400.

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.

References

• Fraser, F.C. (1953). New genera and species of Libellulines from the Belgian Congo. Revue Zoologie Botanique Africaines, 48, 242-256. [PDF file]
• Pinhey, E.C.G. (1970). Monographic study of the genus Trithemis Brauer (Odonata: Libellulidae). Memoirs Entomological Society Southern Africa, 11, 1-159. [PDF file]

Citation: Dijkstra, K.-D.B (editor). African Dragonflies and Damselflies Online. http://addo.adu.org.za/ [2024-10-30].