Enallagma deserti (Selys, 1871)
Desert Bluet

Type locality: Algeria, no locality data available.

Diagnosis

A typical bluet patrolling and perching close to the water surface. General appearance and ecology are very similar to E. cyathigerum, of which some workers consider it a subspecies, but the two overlap in northern Morocco. Identification is only possible under magnification. Slightly larger than E. cyathigerum, but otherwise seems identical. See that species and genus text for separation from other bluets. The tips of the male’s upper appendages have a distinctive shape, which can be recognised through a hand lens with some experience. A microscope is at least required to study the slight structural differences of the mesostigmal plate in females. Heterochrome females outnumber the blue androchromes and are all greenish. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Lewington 2006]

Habitat description

Standing waters, but also streams, in open landscapes. Often with emergent and aquatic vegetation. From 0 to 2800 m above 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

• de Sélys-Longchamps, E. (1869). Nouvelle révision des Odonates de l'Algérie. Annales Societe Entomologique Belgique, 14, 9-20.

Citation: Dijkstra, K.-D.B (editor). African Dragonflies and Damselflies Online. http://addo.adu.org.za/ [2024-10-31].