Azuragrion somalicum (Longfield, 1931)
Somali Bluet

Type locality: Marojeh, Somalia

Diagnosis

Male is similar to A. vansomereni and A. nigridorsum by (a) size, Hw 11-15 mm; (b) metapleural and interpleural sutures with (almost) no black; (c) antehumeral stripe separated from mesepimeral blue by complete humeral black stripe. However, differs by (1) ranging from N Somalia, E Ethiopia and S Arabia; (2) postclypeus largely blue rather than black; (3) antehumeral stripe broader rather than narrower than halfwidth of mesepisternum; (4) dorsal black S3-7 narrow, rather than broad and continuous, and interrupted at bases of segments; (5) S8-9 all blue, rather than basally black; (6) cerci with long lower branch jutting out, therefore well visible; (7) paraprocts distinctly longer than cerci. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014; this diagnosis not yet verified by author]

Habitat description

Not known well, but probably standing and often temporary waters in open landscapes. Probably often with emergent vegetation. From 400 to 800 m above sea level, but possibly up to 1700.

Distribution

confirmed: Ethiopia; Socotra (Yemen); Somalia


© ED


Appendages (lateral view)

Penis (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.


Reference

  • Longfield, C. (1931). A list of the Odonata of British Somaliland and a description of a new species of the genus Enallagma. Entomologist, 64, 274-278. [PDF file]

Citation: Dijkstra, K.-D.B (editor). African Dragonflies and Damselflies Online. http://addo.adu.org.za/ [2024-04-19].