Aethiothemis bequaerti Ris, 1919
Skimmer-like Flasher

Synonyms:

• scientific: A. diamangae Longfield, 1959

Type locality: Elisabethville [= Lubumbashi], DRC

Diagnosis

Male is similar to A. basilewskyi and A. bella by (a) small size, Hw 19-25 mm; (b) labium at least with contrasting black markings on most of central lobe and inner border of lateral lobes; (c) thorax with contrasting dark and pale markings, including 1-2 pale stripes on mesepisternum and complete black metapleural stripe; (d) Fw triangle and subtriangle both of 1 cell, but both sometimes of 2; (e) Abd slender, S3 at least 2x as long as wide. However, differs by (1) frons pale, narrowly black at base, rather than its dorsum being black; (2) black interpleural stripe ends just dorsal of metastigma; (3) mesepisternum with 2 pale stripes, rather than 1; (4) costa and subcostal Ax pale rather than dark, contrasting with dark subcosta and median vein; (5) hook of hamule small rather than large and broad, with anterior profile of hamule weakly concave. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014]

Habitat description

Mostly seeps and springs, but also standing waters, in open landscapes. Often boggy with emergent and aquatic vegetation. From 900 to 1900 m above sea level, but possibly down to 300.

Distribution

Abdomen (dorsal view)	Abdominal segment 2 (lateral view)
Thorax (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

• Ris, F. (1919). Libellulinen 9. Fasc. XVI. Collections Zoologiques Baron Edm Selys Longchamps, 16, 1043-1278.
• 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. (1962). New or little-known dragonflies (Odonata) of Central and Southern Africa. Occasional Papers National Museum Southern Rhodesia, 26, 892-911. [PDF file]
• Longfield, C. (1959). The Odonata of N. Angola. Part II. Publicacoes culturais Companhia Diamantes Angola, 45, 13-42. [PDF file]
• Schouteden, H. (1934). Annales Musee Congo belge Zoologie 3 Section 2, 3, 1-84. [PDF file]

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