Urothemis thomasi Longfield, 1932
Desert Basker

Synonyms:

• scientific: U. signata (Rambur, 1842) ssp. aethiopica Nielsen, 1957

Type locality: Qara Mountains, Saudi Arabia

Diagnosis

Male is similar to U. assignata and U. luciana by red Abd, thorax and frons with maturity. However, differs by (1) Pt 2.5 mm or less; (2) Hw base usually with orange and not dark brown marking; (3) hamule about as long as genital lobe; (4) Abd dorsum without black. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014]

Habitat description

Not known well, but probably often temporary streams and possibly rivers in open landscapes. Often calmer sections (like pools), usually with emergent vegetation. Inferred to occur at around 1600 m above sea level, but probably actually found much lower.

Distribution

Abdominal segment 2 (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. (1932). A new species of the genus Urothemis from Southern Arabia, and some comments on the species of Odonata inhabiting the Qara Mountains. Stylops, 1, 34-35.

Citation: Dijkstra, K.-D.B (editor). African Dragonflies and Damselflies Online. http://addo.adu.org.za/ [2024-10-15].