Lestes ochraceus Selys, 1862
Ochre Spreadwing

Type locality: Cape province, South Africa

Diagnosis

Males of this species are nearest L. pallidus in general appearance but structurally nearer L. tridens by (a) thorax uniformly pale to dark, marked black, or dark markings irregular with at most slight bronze sheen; (b) tips of cerci pointing towards each other, like pair of pliers or forceps (dorsal view); (c) paraprocts with slender, finger-like apical process. However, differs by (1) venter of thorax are pale, if blackened then largely and evenly so and not spotted; (2) Pt elongate, 1.5-2.0mm; (3) tooth posterior to basal tooth of cerci weak; (4) process of paraprocts with short, scattered hairs. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014]

Habitat description

Standing and mostly temporary waters in open landscapes. Usually with emergent and often aquatic vegetation. From 0 to 1700 m above sea level.

Distribution

confirmed: Benin; Côte d'Ivoire; Democratic Republic of the Congo; Gabon; Gambia; Ghana; Kenya; Malawi; South Sudan; Tanzania; Uganda; Zambia; Zimbabwe; NOT confirmed: Cameroon; Guinee-Bissau; Nigeria; Republic of South Africa

Appendages (dorsal view)

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.


Female; 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

  • Sélys-Longchamps, E. de. (1862). Synopsis des Agrionines 2e légion: Lestes. [includes contributions by Hagen] Bull. Ac. r. Bruxelles, Sér. 2, 288-338.
  • Pinhey , E. (1980). A revision of African Lestidae (Odonata). Occasional Papers of the National Museums & Monuments of Rhodesia. Natural Sciences, 6, 1-479. [PDF file]
  • Ris, F. (1921). The Odonata or Dragonflies of South Africa. Annals South African Museum, XVIII, 245-452. [PDF file]
  • Schouteden, H. (1934). Annales Musee Congo belge Zoologie 3 Section 2, 3, 1-84. [PDF file]
  • Schmidt, E. (1951). Libellen aus Portugiesisch Guinea, mit Bemerkungen über andere aethiopische Odonaten. Arquivos Museu Bocage, 20, 125-200. [PDF file]

Citation: Dijkstra, K.-D.B (editor). African Dragonflies and Damselflies Online. http://addo.adu.org.za/ [2024-03-29].