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Orthetrum chrysostigma (Epaulet Skimmer / Apoletli Yusufcuk)

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Orthetrum chrysostigma (Epaulet Skimmer / Apoletli Yusufcuk)


Orthetrum chrysostigma (Epaulet Skimmer / Apoletli Yusufcuk) from Lapta/Lapithos, Girne/Kyrenia, KKTC/TRN Cyprus, 21-23.10.2008.

Epaulet Skimmer is one of the tropical Africa's commonest dragonflies, extending to Rhodes, Cyprus, southern coastal Turkey and southern Spain. It is ubiquitous outside forests throughout Africa. Not uncommon in southern Iberia, the Canaries, coastal Turkey and adjacent Greek islands. However, I observed this species frequently in Lapithos (Cyprus). Usually easily distinguished by its 'epaulet': broad white badges bordered with black on each 'shoulder'. Total body length 39-48 mm, Abdomen length 26-33mm.

Epaulet Skimmer’s size is near O. brunneum (Southern Skimmer) and especially O. coerulescens (Keeled Skimmer). One of several similar species with a largely pruinose body in the mature male and a yellowish pterostigma. Diagnostic features are:

(1) abdomen rather slender and waisted near base; constricted between 3rd and 4th segments when seen from above;

(2) thorax with a conspicuous whitish stripe beneath each forewing distinctive white 'epaulet' bordered with black base, accentuated by black lines on both sides (note that this is obscured in old males);

(3) membranules (-roughly triangular opaque membreane on posterior side of the wing base, largest in hindwing-) are sooty and usually bordered by a small yellow patch. In other species, the hindwing base is generally clear.

The larger, broader-bodied and unwaisted O. brunneum and O. nitidinerve (Yellow-veined Skimmer) lack pale stripes on the thorax, and have whitish membranules. In the smaller O. coerulescens, the stripes lie more anteriorly and are less white. In the even smaller O. taeniolatum (Small Skimmer) there are three stripes on each side, and these are accentuated by a black line on only one side. Both smaller species are unwaisted and have grey-brown membranules. Hamule with a broad hook that dwarfs a small, but separate, lobe beside it.

In Turkey, said to perch rarely on the ground or rocks, and never in the obelisk position (in contrast to O. taeniolatum). Its habitat includes the larger streams and shallow still waters in open landscapes. Its flight season in Turkey, recorded from April to the end of August. In north-west Africa, up until November and suspected to be on the wing around the year. Apparently, the Cypriot form of the species is different in flight season as well as perching behaviour.

References: 1. Chinery, M. (1986). Collins Guide to the Insects of Britain and Western Europe, Collins, Glasgow, 320 pp. 2. Dijkstra K.-D. (2006). Field Guide to the Dragonflies of Britain and Europe including Western Turkey and noth-Western Africa. British Wildlife Publishing, Dorset, UK. 320 pp. 3. Beaton, G. (2007). Dragonflies and Damselflies of Georgia and the Soustheast. University of Georgia Press, Athens, Georgia, 355 pp.

Author Bayram GÖÇMEN
Created on Wednesday 22 October 2008
Posted on Friday 15 July 2011
Tags CYPRUS / KIBRIS, Kyrenia / Girne
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