Aethiothemis bella (Fisher, 1939)
Striped Flasher

Synonyms:

• scientific: Sleuthemis diplacoides Fraser, 1951; Monardithemis leonensis Aguesse, 1968

Type locality: between Niangara and Dungu, Ekibondo, DRC

Diagnosis

Male is similar to A. basilewskyi Male is similar to A. bella by (a) small size, Hw 19-25 mm; (b) dorsum of frons usually dark; (c) labium at least with contrasting black markings on most of central lobe and inner border of lateral lobes; (d) mesepisternum with 1 pale stripe; (e) black interpleural stripe complete; (f) Fw triangle and subtriangle both of 1 cell, but both sometimes of 2; (g) costa and subcostal Ax dark, like subcosta and median vein; (h) hook of hamule large and broad, anterior profile of hamule almost rectangularly concave; (i) Abd slender, S3 at least 2x as long as wide. However, differs by (1) labrum largely pale rather than black; (2) interpleural stripe separated from slender metapleural stripe. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014]

Habitat description

Standing and often temporary waters, mostly in open areas in forest. Usually with emergent vegetation and probably often coarse detritus. From 400 to 800 m above sea level, but possibly down to 100.

Distribution

Abdominal segment 2 (lateral view)

Thorax (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):

Reference

• Lieftinck, M.A. (1969). Odonates Anisoptères - Odonata Anisoptera. Explor. hydrob. Lac Bangweolo & Luapula, 14, 1-64. [PDF file]

Citation: Dijkstra, K.-D.B (editor). African Dragonflies and Damselflies Online. http://addo.adu.org.za/ [2024-10-09].