Hadrothemis versuta (Karsch, 1891)
Variable Jungleskimmer

Type locality: Cameroon, no locality data available.

Diagnosis

Male is similar to H. defecta by (a) labium pale with contrasting black central marking, sometimes all black; (b) labrum at least partly black; (c) wing bases broadly brown, tips not or comparatively faintly so; (d) no cell-doublings (rarely 1 or 2) in medial planate of Fw and Hw; (e) 1 Cux in Hw, rarely 2; (f) anterior lamina at most as high as hamule; (g) Abd broader and tapered towards end, S2 over 3 mm broad. However, differs by (1) sides of thorax usually black with contrasting yellow stripes, rather than uniformly dark; (2) subtriangle usually of 4 cells, but can vary from 3 to 5; (3) Hw triangle of 2 cells; (4) brown of Hw base usually includes triangle; (5) hook of hamule longer than lobe, opposing corner of which is angled; (6) Abd initially red but darkens and becomes pruinose with maturity. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014]

Habitat description

Standing and mostly temporary waters shaded by forest. Usually with coarse detritus and often a soft (like muddy) bottom, probably especially pools in stream beds. From 0 to 1400 m above sea level, but mostly below 700.

Distribution

confirmed: Côte d'Ivoire; Cameroon; Central African Republic; Congo-Brazzaville; Democratic Republic of the Congo; Equatorial Guinea; Gabon; Ghana; Liberia; Nigeria; Republic of Guinea; Rwanda; Sierra Leone; Uganda; Zambia


Male © Bart W??rsten


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.


Barcode specimen(s):


Male; Liberia, Nimba County, West Nimba Proposed Forest Reserve © Dijkstra, K.-D.B. & M. Darpay


Male; Gabon, Haut-Ogooué, Bakoumba-Parc de la Lékédi © Dijkstra, K.-D.B., Nicolas Mézière & Cédric Vanappelghem


Male; Democratic Republic of Congo, Province Orientale, © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.


Male; Liberia, Grand Gedeh County, Putu Iron Ore Mining concession © Dijkstra, K.-D.B. & A. Dayeker


Female; Liberia, Grand Gedeh County, Putu Iron Ore Mining concession © Dijkstra, K.-D.B. & A. Dayeker

References

  • Karsch, F. (1891). Die libelluliden-gattungen Orthetrum, Newm. (Libella, Br.) und Thermorthemis, Kirby. Entomologische Nachrichten, 17, 58-62.
  • Pinhey, E.C.G. (1961). Dragonflies (Odonata) of Central Africa. Occasional Papers Rhodes-Livingstone Museum, 14, 1-97. [PDF file]
  • Sjöstedt, Y. (1900). Odonaten aus Kamerun, West -Afrika. Beltrage Zur Kenntnis der insektenfauna von Kamerun. Binhang Kongliga Svenka VetenskapsAkademiens Handlingar, 25, 1-62.
  • Pinhey, E.C.G. (1962). Some records of Odonata collected in tropical Africa. Journal Entomological Society Southern Africa, 25, 20-50. [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/ [2024-03-29].