Family Libelluloidea incertae sedis

Synonyms:

• scientific: Corduliidae Selys, 1850 (in part); Cordulephyidae Tillyard, 1917 [Neophya]; Idomacromiidae Tillyard & Fraser, 1940 [Idomacromia]; Austrocorduliidae Bechly, 1996 [Syncordulia]; Oxygastridae Bechly, 1996 [Oxygastra]

Introduction

This assemblage of almost 100 species formerly placed in Corduliidae may be composed of multiple families, but these family affiliations are undecided at present. It is richest in Australia, but also in New Guinea, New Caledonia and tropical Asia and America. It is localised elsewhere, including Africa, where aside from Idomacromia and Neophya also the placement of the South African genus Syncordulia is uncertain. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014]

Diagnosis

Family closest to AESHNIDAE by (a) eyes in contact; (b) Hw base broader than Fw base, with different venation, membranule present. However, differs by (1) triangles dissimilar in both wings, in Fw pointing backwards, much closer to arculus in Hw than in Fw; (2) all Ax equally thick, usually aligned with subcostal cross-veins. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014; this diagnosis not yet verified by author]

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.

Citation: Dijkstra, K.-D.B (editor). African Dragonflies and Damselflies Online. http://addo.adu.org.za/ [2024-11-15].