Trithemis pluvialis, the russet dropwing (also known as river dropwing), is a species of dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. It occurs in Africa south of Kenya.
| Trithemis pluvialis | |
|---|---|
| |
| Male | |
Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Odonata |
| Infraorder: | Anisoptera |
| Family: | Libellulidae |
| Genus: | Trithemis |
| Species: | T. pluvialis
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| Binomial name | |
| Trithemis pluvialis Förster, 1906
| |
Description
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The russet dropwing is a medium-sized dragonfly with a bright orange to reddish colouration and small orange patches on the hindwings. The abdomen shows small black dorsal stripes. The eyes are brownish orange. The female is stouter than the male and more mottled. The species often perches conspicuously on reeds or sedges.[2]
Distribution
editIt is found in Angola, Cameroon, the Republic of the Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.[3] This dragonfly prefers swift rocky rivers with extensive reed margins in savanna habitats.[2]
Conservation
editThe species is widely spread and populations do not appear to be declining, although like many dragonflies it is likely being impacted by water pollution, drainage and habitat loss through agricultural expansion and intensification.[1]
References
edit- ^ a b Clausnitzer, V.; Suhling, F. (2016). "Trithemis pluvialis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T60065A86140049. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T60065A86140049.en. Retrieved 15 November 2021.
- ^ a b Samways, Michael J. (2008). Dragonflies and Damselflies of South Africa. Pensoft Publishers. ISBN 9789546423306.
- ^ Dijkstra, K-D. B.; Clausnitzer, V (2015). The dragonflies and damselflies of Eastern Africa. ISBN 978-94-91615-06-1.
External links
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Media related to Trithemis pluvialis at Wikimedia Commons
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