Aethiothemis coryndoni (Fraser, 1953)
Orange-bellied Flasher

Synonyms:

• scientific: Lokia coryndoni

Type locality: Entebbe, Lake Victoria, Uganda

Diagnosis

Male is similar to A. circe by (a) larger size, Hw 24-35 mm; (b) labrum pale brown, like labium and anteclypeus; (c) thorax more uniform, at most with black stripes along middorsal carina, humeral and dorsal half of metapleural suture, may become entirely dark and/or pruinose with age; (d) Fw triangle of 2 cells, subtriangle of 3-4, but both sometimes just of 1; (e) distal Ax in Fw usually incomplete; (f) subcostal cross-veins dark, like subcosta and median vein; (g) tibiae and femora quite uniformly brown to black; (h) Abd broad, S3 at most 1.5x as long as wide (dorsal view), and gradually tapered; (i) venter of Abd deep orange to red with maturity. However, differs by (1) hook of hamule narrow rather than wide; (2) wings clear, at most base yellow up to Ax2; (3) S4 almost square rather than triangular (dorsal view), only slightly longer than wide. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014]

Habitat description

Not known well, but probably standing waters in open areas in forest. Probably often with emergent vegetation, such as papyrus, and coarse detritus. Only recorded at around 600 and 1100 m above sea level.

Distribution

Abdomen (dorsal view)	Abdomen (lateral view)
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.

Reference

• Fraser, F.C. (1953). New genera and species of Libellulines from the Belgian Congo. Revue Zoologie Botanique Africaines, 48, 242-256. [PDF file]

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