Syncordulia venator (Barnard, 1933)
Mahogany Presba

Type locality: Cape Province, South Africa

Diagnosis

Similar to S. legator by (a) pale markings on S3-8 concentrated basally on segments; (b) male cerci slender, over 3x as long as S10, at most weakly angled ventrally near midlength and laterally near base; (c) epiproct triangular; (d) male S1 ventrally with pair of spikes; (e) lobes of female’s vulvar scale over half as long as the distance between their bases. However, differs by (1) small dorsal plate at base of each costa is dark, like surroundings; (2) S3-10 deep red-brown grading into black at base and along dorsal carina, with basal black enclosing pairs of contrasting whitish triangular spots; (3) sum of Fw Ax and Px equals 28 to 35; (4) male cerci angled laterally near base; (5) male epiproct half as long as cerci or slightly longer; (6) long ventral spikes on male S1, border of genital fossa and genital lobe dark, like surroundings; (7) lobes of female’s vulvar scale broad and petal-like; (8) female cerci about as long as S10.

Habitat description

Mostly streams but sometimes rivers shaded by gallery forest, but also in open landscapes and open areas in forest. Often with coarse detritus, probably especially calmer sections (like pools) with overhanging branches and submerged roots. Inferred to occur from 0 to 1600 m above sea level, but mostly between 200 and 800.

Distribution

confirmed: Republic of South Africa


© Jean-Pierre Boudot


Appendages (dorsal view)

Appendages (lateral view)

Abdomen (dorsal view)

Abdomen (lateral view)

Secondary genitalia (lateral view)

Vulvar scale (lateral view)

Vulvar scale (ventral 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):


Adult, female; South Africa, Western Cape, Kogelberg Nature Reserve © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.


Adult, male; South Africa, Western Cape, Hottentots-Holland Nature Reserve © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.

References

  • Barnard, K.H. (1933). A new genus of corduline dragonfly from South Africa (Odonata). Stylops, 2, 165-168. [PDF file]
  • Barnard, K.H. (1937). Notes on dragon-flies (Odonata) of the S. W. Cape with descriptions of the nymphs and of new species. Annals South African Museum, 32, 169-260. [PDF file]

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