Aciagrion steeleae Kimmins, 1955
Swamp Slim

Type locality: Lake Bangweulu, Zambia

Diagnosis

Male is similar to A. brosseti by (a) smaller size, Hw 14-18 mm; (b) dorsum of head between eyes (almost) continuously black; (c) thorax with complete black middorsal and often humeral stripes; (d) cerci only about half as long as S10 but distinctly longer than paraprocts, with broad or rounded apex; (e) paraprocts with  basal tooth directed straight upwards. However, differs by (1) ranging from N Botswana to Katanga and Malawi; (2) Pt pale brown, rather than blackish with maturity; (3) wings clear, rather than yellowish; (4) dorsum S7 evenly black, rather than having blue subapical ring; (5) S10 blue rather than black, but sometimes black dorsally; (6) ventral process of cerci slender, rather than short. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014]

Habitat description

Standing and mostly temporary waters in open landscapes. Usually with emergent vegetation. From 400 to 1700 m above sea level.

Distribution

confirmed: Botswana; Democratic Republic of the Congo; Malawi; Zambia; NOT confirmed: Angola


Male © Jens Kipping


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, Kundelungu National Park © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.

References

  • Kimmins, D.E. (1955). Three new species of African Odonata. Entomologist, 88, 109-113. [PDF file]
  • Pinhey, E.C.G. (1972). The genus Aciagrion Selys (Odonata). Occasional Papers National Museums Rhodesia B Natural Science, 5, 1-59. [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. (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/ [2024-03-28].