Agriocnemis falcifera Pinhey, 1959
White-masked Wisp

Type locality: Natal, South Africa

Diagnosis

Male is similar to A. pinheyi by (a) hindlobe of prothorax incised at two sides, separating fan-like middle section; (b) apex S10 hardly raised; (c) cerci with sharp triangular ventral process directed somewhat into S10; (d) paraprocts almost as long as cerci, tapering to pointed apex in lateral view, but in caudal view ending broadly, visible as black ridge that is wider than high. However, differs by (1) being restricted to South Africa, possibly also in coastal S Mozambique; (2) labrum all black with purple sheen, rather than glossy black with pale border; (3) Pt in Hw darker than in Fw with maturity, rather than being similar in all wings; (4) cerci relatively slender, rather than robust. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014]

Habitat description

Standing waters in open landscapes, but sometimes shaded by gallery forest. Usually with emergent and often aquatic vegetation. From 0 to 2000 m above sea level.

Distribution

confirmed: Republic of South Africa


© Warwick Tarboton


© Warwick Tarboton


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.


References

  • Pinhey, E.C.G. (1959). New dragonflies of the genus Agriocnemis and a key to males of this genus. Journal Entomological Society Southern Africa, 22, 465-468. [PDF file]
  • Pinhey, E.C.G. (1974). A revision of the African Agriocnemis Selys and Mortonagrion Fraser (Odonata Coenagrionidae). Occasional Papers National Museums Rhodesia B Natural Science, 5, 171-278. [PDF file]
  • Pinhey, E.C.G. (1962). New or little-known dragonflies (Odonata) of Central and Southern Africa. Occasional Papers National Museum Southern Rhodesia, 26, 892-911. [PDF file]

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