Brachythemis wilsoni
| Brachythemis wilsoni | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Odonata |
| Infraorder: | Anisoptera |
| Family: | Libellulidae |
| Genus: | Brachythemis |
| Species: | B. wilsoni
|
| Binomial name | |
| Brachythemis wilsoni Pinhey, 1952
| |
Brachythemis wilsoni is a species of dragonfly in the family Libellulidae, commonly known as Wilson's groundling. It was first described by Elliot Pinhey in 1952, with the type locality being Yambio, Sudan.
It is found in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Sudan, Togo, Uganda, possibly Botswana, and possibly Kenya. Its natural habitats are dry savanna, moist savanna, subtropical or tropical dry shrubland, subtropical or tropical moist shrubland, rivers, and intermittent rivers.
Characteristics of Brachythemis wilsoni
[edit]Brachythemis wilsoni exhibits the following characteristics typical of dragonflies in its genus:
Physical Appearance
1. Size: A small to medium-sized dragonfly.
2. Coloration: Males are often brightly colored, with reddish or orange-brown tones on the abdomen. Females are paler, typically yellowish or brownish with less vibrant markings.
3. Wings: The wings are clear but may have dark or reddish patches near the base. The venation pattern is typical of the Libellulidae family.
4. Eyes: Compound eyes are large and well-developed, aiding in excellent vision for hunting prey.
Habitat
- Found in slow-moving rivers, ponds, and lakes, particularly in savanna and shrubland regions.
- Thrives in both tropical and subtropical environments, including dry and moist savannas.
Behavior
- Prefers open, sunlit areas near water bodies.
- Known for its perching behavior, often resting on rocks or vegetation close to the ground.
- Males are territorial, often defending small patches of water against rivals.
Diet
- Predatory, feeding on smaller insects such as mosquitoes, flies, and other aquatic or semi-aquatic invertebrates.
Distribution
- Found across Africa, particularly in countries like Sudan, Uganda, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
References
[edit]- Dijkstra, K.-D. B., & Clausnitzer, V. (2014). The Dragonflies and Damselflies of Africa: An Identification Guide. Royal Museum for Central Africa.
- The IUCN Red List provides updated conservation status: IUCN Red List for Brachythemis wilsoni
- ^ Clausnitzer, V.; Kipping, J.; Dijkstra, K.-D.B. (2010). "Brachythemis wilsoni". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2010: e.T59823A12069785. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-3.RLTS.T59823A12069785.en. Retrieved 18 November 2021.
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