The red-veined darter (Sympetrum fonscolombii) is a dragonfly in the genus Sympetrum.

Taxonomy

There is genetic and behavioural evidence that S. fonscolombii is not closely related to the other members of the genus Sympetrum and it will at some time in the future be removed from this genus.

Etymology

Sympetrum fonscolombii was named under the protonym Libellula fonscolombii by the Belgian entomologist Edmond de Sélys Longchamps in 1840, in honour of the French entomologist Étienne de Fonscolombe, whence the species name. Its name is sometimes cited as fonscolombei instead of fonscolombii, but Askew (2004) gives the latter as the correct spelling.

Distribution

Sympetrum fonscolombii is a widespread and common species in much of central and southern Europe including most Mediterranean islands, North Africa, the Middle East, Mongolia, south-western Asia, including the Indian subcontinent, the Indian Ocean Islands and Sri Lanka. It is able to recolonize dry areas after a rainfall. This species is similar to other Sympetrum species, with the red wing veins giving a positive identification, especially with a male.

Males have a red abdomen,

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File:Sympetrum fonscolombii qtl7c.jpg| Mating wheel

File:Red-veined darter.jpg| The pair stay in tandem for egg laying

Sympetrum fonscolombii qtl5.jpg|Exuvia

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References

  • Askew, R.R. (2004) The Dragonflies of Europe. (revised ed.) Harley Books.pp180 and 213 .
  • Boudot JP., et al. (2009) Atlas of the Odonata of the Mediterranean and North Africa. Libellula Supplement 9:1-256.
  • Dijkstra, K-D.B & Lewington, R. (2006) Field Guide to the Dragonflies of Britain and Europe. British Wildlife Publishing. .
  • African Dragonflies and Damselflies Online Red-veined darter in Africa
  • Red-veined darter Species text in the Online Atlas of South African Odonata