Urothemis luciana Balinsky, 1961
St Lucia Basker

Type locality: Natal, South Africa

Diagnosis

Male is similar to U. assignata by (a) Abd, thorax and frons red with maturity; (b) Pt 3.5 mm or more; (c) Hw base usually with dark brown marking that enters triangle; (d) hamule longer than genital lobe; (e) at least dorsum S8-9 with black markings. However, differs by (1) larger size, Hw 36-39 mm; (2) 8-9 Ax in Fw; (3) basal markings extend about to Ax4 in Hw and to Ax3 in Fw. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014]

Habitat description

Standing and probably often temporary waters in open landscapes, but sometimes also open areas in forest. Usually with emergent vegetation and probably often coarse detritus. Only recorded near sea level.

Distribution

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

• Balinsky, B.I. (1961). Observations on the dragonfly fauna of the coastal region of Zululand, with descriptions of three new species (Odonata). Journal Entomological Society Southern Africa, 24, 72-91. [PDF file]

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