Anax imperator Leach, 1815
Blue Emperor
Type locality: Europe, no locality data available.
Diagnosis
Male is similar to A. parthenope by (a) moderate size, Hw 44-49 mm; (b) dorsum of frons with blue to black anterior bar, basal mark narrower than vertex; (c) femora brown to black, rather like tibiae; (d) S4-10 largely blue or brown, with black dorsal and lateral markings (blue is green when teneral); (e) epiproct broad with truncate or widely notched apex, teeth usually only at apex. However, differs by (1) occurring throughout Africa; (2) thorax green, with antealar sinus often blue, rather than entirely brown; (3) membranule dark grey, base distinctly white, rather than largely pale grey; (4) S2-10 entirely blue, rather than only up to the base of S3 with the rest being brown; (5) apex of cerci rounded rather than truncate, without spine; (6) epiproct slightly longer than wide (ventral view). [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014]
Habitat description
Mostly standing and probably often temporary waters, but also rivers and possibly large lakes, in open landscapes. Often with emergent and aquatic vegetation. From 0 to 2800 m above sea level, but mostly below 1900.
Distribution
Male © Hans-Joachim Clausnitzer
 Appendages (dorsal view) |
 Frons (dorsal 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):
Adult, female; South Africa, Western Cape, © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.
Adult, female; South Africa, Western Cape, Kogelberg Nature Reserve © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.
Male; Democratic Republic of Congo, Katanga, Upemba National Park © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.
Female; Democratic Republic of Congo, Katanga, Upemba National Park © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.
Male; Democratic Republic of Congo, Katanga, © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.
Male; Liberia, Nimba County, East Nimba Nature Reserve © Dijkstra, K.-D.B. & M. Darpay
Male; Liberia, Nimba County, Mt Tokadeh © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.
Male; Cameroon, Centre Province, © Dijkstra, K.-D.B., J. Kipping & K. Schuette
References
- Leach, W. E. (1815). Entomology. in Brewster, D. (editor) The Edinburgh Encyclopaedia. Edinburgh: William Blackburn, 9, 57-172. (Odonata, 136-137).
- Balinsky, B.I. (1961). Observations on the dragonfly fauna of the coastal region of Zululand, with descriptions of three new species (Odonata). Journal Entomological Society Southern Africa, 24, 72-91. [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]
- Barnard, K.H. (1937). Notes on dragon-flies (Odonata) of the S. W. Cape with descriptions of the nymphs and of new species. Annals South African Museum, 32, 169-260. [PDF file]
- Longfield, C. (1959). The Odonata of N. Angola. Part II. Publicacoes culturais Companhia Diamantes Angola, 45, 13-42. [PDF file]
Citation: Dijkstra, K.-D.B (editor). African Dragonflies and Damselflies Online. http://addo.adu.org.za/ [2024-10-09].
