Microstigma rotundatum

Microstigma rotundatum, the helicopter damselfly, is a species of damselfly belonging to the family Coenagrionidae.[2]

Microstigma rotundatum
Microstigma rotundatum. Museum specimen
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Odonata
Suborder: Zygoptera
Family: Coenagrionidae
Genus: Microstigma
Species:
M. rotundatum
Binomial name
Microstigma rotundatum
Selys, 1860
Synonyms[1]
  • Microstigma exustum (Selys, 1860)
  • Microstigma lunatum (Selys, 1860)

Description

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These damselflies have a long, thin body and large wings with a dense venation. The apex of the forewings has large yellow flecks and the pseudostigma shows many cells.[3][4]

Biology

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These damselflies mainly prey on web-building spiders. Larvae develop in water-filled crevices of fallen trees and in phytotelmata, the bodies of water held by some plants (bromeliads).[5]

Distribution and habitat

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This species is present in South America (Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Bolivia, Amazonas).[3] It lives in tropical primary lowland forests.

Bibliography

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  • de Selys Longchamps, E. (1860) Synopsis des Agrionines. Première légion: Pseudostigma., Bulletin Academie royale Belgique Serie 2 10 (6): 9-27.
  • Odonata: Catalogue of the Odonata of the World. Tol J. van.

References

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  1. ^ World Odonata List
  2. ^ Paulson, D.; Schorr, M.; Abbott, J.; Bota-Sierra, C.; Deliry, C.; Dijkstra, K.-D.; Lozano, F. (2023). "World Odonata List". OdonataCentral, University of Alabama. Retrieved 15 November 2023.
  3. ^ a b Charles W. Heckman Encyclopedia of South American Aquatic Insects: Odonata - Zygoptera
  4. ^ David L. Pearson, Les Beletsky Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands
  5. ^ Diomedes Quintero, Annette Aiello Insects of Panama and Mesoamerica