We explore the genetic diversity and phylogeography of the dragonflies Orthetrum cancellatum and O. coerulescens in Europe based on mitochondrial and nuclear DNA. Orthetrum cancellatum has a clear division between a group comprising Maltese, Italian, and central and northern European populations…
Epiophlebia is the only known taxon of Odonata that is neither part of the damselflies (Zygoptera) nor dragonflies (Anisoptera). Previously, two species of Epiophlebia were recognized, restricted to areas in Japan (Epiophlebia superstes) and the Himalayas (Epiophlebia laidlawi). Recently, the group gained attention with the description of new species from China – Epiophlebia sinensis and Epiophlebia…
A list of genera presently included in Megapodagrionidae and Pseudolestidae is provided, together with information on species for which the larva has been described. Based on the shape of the gills, the genera for which the larva is known can be arranged into four groups: (1) species with inflated sack-like gills with a terminal filament;…
Published records of Mesopodagrion are reviewed and the distributions of M. tibetanum and M. yachowensis are given. Sinocnemis henanese is considered a junior synonym of S. yangbingi. Based on morphological and behavioural characters Sinocnemis is removed from Platycnemididae and placed in Megapodagrionidae. Species of Sinocnemis show a general resemblance to species of Mesopodagrion but it…
This synopsis of adult Phyllopetalia includes the synonymy of four genera (Phyllopetalia senior subjective synonym of Rheopetalia, Odontopetalia, Eurypetalia and Ophiopetalia), four species and one subspecies (P. apicalis senior subjective synonym of Rheopetalia rex and R. apicalis decorata, and P. pudu senior subjective synonym of Ophiopetalia araucana, O. auregaster and O. Diana). P. excrescens and…
The taxonomy of the Gynacantha and Heliaeschna species from continental Africa is problematic, and available keys are unsatisfactory. ‘Traditional’ characters such as venation and ‘innovative’ ones like abdominal denticulation are evaluated and their variability is measured and discussed. G. quadrina is a synonym of G. africana and not of G. vesiculata, G. ochraceipes is regarded…
Anormogomphus heteropterus is redescribed based upon a single male specimen. Discrepancies and inaccuracies in previous illustrations of this species that could cause confusion are pointed out. Platygomphus benritarum sp. nov. is described on the basis of a single male specimen collected at Tezpur, Sonitpur District, Assam, India.
The final instar larva of Cephalaeschna risi Asahina, 1981 is described for the first time based on material from Taiwan. In Taiwan, the larva of C. risi can be separated from other aeshnid larvae by its relatively short antennae and presence of small protuberances on the legs.
The larva of Psaironeura is formally described for the first time, based upon reared specimens of Psaironeura angeloi from the Tirimbina Biological Reserve, Sarapiquí, Heredia Province, Costa Rica. Detailed illustrations are also provided. The larva is characterized by a slender dark brown body, premental setae 2+1, six palpal setae, male cerci globose, and caudal lamellae…
The final stadium larva of Anisagrion allopterum is described for the first time for Middle America, based upon specimens reared and emerging in the field, from Cartago, Province, Costa Rica. Detailed illustrations are also provided. The larva of this species is characterized by a slender yellow body, premental setae 4+1, five palpal setae, male cerci…