Lestes pallidus Rambur, 1842
Pallid Spreadwing
Type locality: Cape province, South Africa
Diagnosis
Males of this species are nearest L. ochraceus in general appearance but structurally nearer L. dissimulans by (a) thorax uniformly pale to dark, marked black, or dark markings irregular with at most slight bronze sheen; (b) inner border of cerci at least with prominent basal tooth; (c) paraprocts blunt, without apical process. However, differs by (1) Pt more elongate, 1.5-2.0 mm; (2) basal tooth on inner border of cerci sharp; (3) paraprocts not extending beyond its tip, and constricted - creating a distinct apical knob. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014]
Habitat description
Standing and mostly temporary waters in open landscapes. Usually with emergent and often aquatic vegetation. From 0 to 1900 m above sea level, but mostly between 800 and 1500.
Distribution
Male (pale) © Paul Schrijvershof
 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.
Barcode specimen(s):
Male; Democratic Republic of Congo, Katanga, Kundelungu National Park © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.
Male; Democratic Republic of Congo, Katanga, Upemba National Park © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.
Male; Democratic Republic of Congo, Katanga, Upemba National Park © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.
References
- Rambur, P. (1842). Histoire Naturelle des Insectes. Neuroptères. Insectes Neuroptères. Paris: Librairie Encyclopédique de Roret xvii, pp.534.
- Pinhey , E. (1980). A revision of African Lestidae (Odonata). Occasional Papers of the National Museums & Monuments of Rhodesia. Natural Sciences, 6, 1-479. [PDF file]
- Pinhey, E.C.G. (1961). Notes on African Odonata nymphs. - 2. Journal Entomological Society Southern Africa, 24, 165-172. [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. (1966). Check-list of dragonflies (Odonata) from Malawi, with description of a new Teinobasis Kirby. Arnoldia, 2, 1-24. [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/ [2024-11-15].
