Ischnura abyssinica Martin, 1907
Ethiopian Bluetail

Synonyms:

  • scientific: I. hilli Pinhey, 1964

Type locality: Harrar, Ethiopia

Diagnosis

Likely to be confused only with potentially co-occurring I. senegalensis, male of which is similar by (a) centre of Fw Pt with dark proximal and pale distal portion; (b) black on S2 narrower at apex and often distinctly widened at base; (c) paraprocts longer than cerci. However, differs by (1) being restricted to the Ethiopian highlands; (2) posterior border of hindlobe of prothorax and (largely pale) straightish ridge anterior of it fused in middle; (3) Fw Pt about 2x as large as Hw Pt, with about outer 1/3 pinkish white; (4) S9 largely blue, black on dorsum S10 at most extends to level of cerci; (5) apical process S10 wider than high. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014]

Habitat description

Standing and often temporary waters in open landscapes. Usually with emergent and often aquatic vegetation. From 1200 to 2100 m above sea level, but possibly up to 3200.

Distribution

confirmed: Ethiopia


© Viola Clausnitzer


Appendages (dorsal view)

Appendages (lateral view)

Appendages (caudal view)

Forewing pterostigma

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

  • Martin, R. (1907). Collections recueillies par M. Maurice de Rothschild dans l'Afrique orientale anglaise: Insectes: Odonates nouveaux. Bulletin Museum Histoire Naturelle, 7, 508-514. [PDF file]
  • Clausnitzer, V., and Dijkstra, K.-D.B. (2005). The dragonflies (Odonata) of Ethiopia, with notes on the status of endemic taxa and the description of a new species. Entomologische Zeitschrift, 115, 117-130. [PDF file]

Citation: Dijkstra, K.-D.B (editor). African Dragonflies and Damselflies Online. http://addo.adu.org.za/ [2024-03-28].