Sympetrum Fonscolombii

The red-veined darter or nomad (''Sympetrum fonscolombii'') is a dragonfly of 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 honor of the French entomologist Étienne of Fonscolombe (hence the species name).Sélys-Longchamps, de, E. 1840. Monographie des libellulidées d'Europe. ''Libellula fonscolombii'' , Librairie Roret, 220 pages, Paris Its name is sometimes spelt ''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. In Europe it is resident in the south of its range but in some years it migrates northward. From the 1990s onwards has increasingly been found in northwest Europe, including Belgium, Sweden, Finland, Poland, Britain and Ireland. It is the only Libellulidae to be found in the Azores and it is also found on the Canary Islands and Madeira.

Habitat

It breeds in a wide range of habitats including marshes, lakes, ponds, permanent and seasonal rivers. It is able to recolonize dry areas after a rainfall.

Identification

''Sympetrum fonscolombii'' can reach a body length of .British Dragonfly Society
/ref> This species is similar to other ''Sympetrum'' species but a good view with binoculars should give a positive identification, especially with a male.

Males have a red abdomen, redder than many other ''Sympetrum'' species. The frons and the thorax are red-brown. The eyes are brown above and blue/grey below. The wings have red veins and the wing bases of the hind-wings are yellow. The pterostigma is pale yellow with a border of black veins.

Female are similar but the abdomen is ochre yellow, not red, with two black lines along each side. The wings have yellow veins at the costa, leading edge and base, not red veins as found in the males. The legs of both sexes are mostly black with some yellow.

Immature males are like females but often with more red and a single line along each side of the abdomen.

Male ''S. fonscolombii'' can be mistaken for ''Crocothemis erythraea'' as both are very red dragonflies with yellow bases to the wings, red veins and pale pterostigma. However ''C. erythraea'' has no black on the legs, a broader body and no black on the head. Also ''C. erythraea'' females do not oviposit in tandem. The gestalt image of these two species is different and with some experience are easy to tell apart.

File:Darter August 2007-25.jpg, Head of female showing blue/grey underside of eyes and black and yellow legs
File:Red veined darter pterostigma.JPG, Pale pterostigma with border of black veins
File:Red-veined darter (Sympetrum fonscolombii) immature male Cyprus.jpg, Immature male
File:Darter August 2007-18.jpg, Male showing some red on abdomen
File:Darter August 2007-1.jpg, Mature male

Biology and behaviour

''Sympetrum fonscolombii'' can be seen on the wing throughout the year around the Mediterranean and in the south of its range, however, its main flight period is May to October and it is scarce during the winter months. It is a territorial species with the males often sitting on an exposed perch.

After copulation the pair stay in tandem for egg laying and pairs can be seen over open water with the female dipping her abdomen into the water depositing eggs. Pairs are known to fly over the sea in tandem dipping into the salt water where the eggs soon perish. The eggs and larvae develop within a few months and ''S. fonscolombii'' unlike most other European dragonflies has more than one generation a year. Some larvae overwinter.

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

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. .

External links

African Dragonflies and Damselflies OnlineRed-veined darter in Africa
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{{Taxonbar, from=Q1471936

Dragonflies of Europe
Libellulidae
Insects described in 1840