Aethriamanta nymphaeae

L-spot basker
L-Spot Basker in Cairns
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1) [1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Odonata
Infraorder:	Anisoptera
Family:	Libellulidae
Genus:	Aethriamanta
Species:	A. nymphaeae
Binomial name
Aethriamanta nymphaeae Lieftinck, 1949 [2]

Aethriamanta nymphaeae is a species of dragonfly of the family Libellulidae, ^[3] commonly known as the L-spot basker. ^[4] It inhabits lagoons ponds and swamps across northern Australia. ^{[5] [6]}

Identification

L-spot basker detail

The L-spot basker Aethriamanta nymphaeae and Square-spot basker Aethriamanta circumsignata are very similar dragonflies and can be difficult to separate. The common name describes dark markings at the base of the hindwing of each species. The L-spot basker usually has one dark brown fleck radiating between the fourth and fifth vein (Cu and A) and a small dark patch at right angles which occupies a few cells parallel to the abdomen. These marks form the L shape. A lighter brown surrounds the dark marks and may extend to the arculus and hindwing margin. Light brown marks may also exist at the base of the forewing. In some examples of the L-spot basker, the dark markings may be absent altogether. ^[4]

Gallery

• 
  Male, Cairns, Australia
• 
  Female wings
• 
  Male wings

See also

• List of Odonata species of Australia

References

1. Dow, R.A. (2017). "Aethriamanta nymphaeae". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2017 e.T87534622A87539989. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-1.RLTS.T87534622A87539989.en . Retrieved 20 November 2021.
2. Lieftinck, M.A. (1949). "The dragonflies (Odonata) of New Guinea and neighbouring islands Part VII. Results of the third Archbold Expedition 1938–1939 and of the Le Roux Expedition 1939 to Netherlands New Guinea (II. Zygoptera)". Nova Guinea. New series. 5: 1–271 [233].
3. "Species Aethriamanta nymphaeae Lieftinck, 1949". Australian Faunal Directory . Australian Biological Resources Study. 2012. Retrieved 18 February 2017.
4. Theischinger, Günther; Hawking, John (2006). The Complete Field Guide to Dragonflies of Australia. Collingwood, Victoria, Australia: CSIRO Publishing. p. 252. ISBN   978-0-64309-073-6.
5. Theischinger, Gunther; Endersby, Ian (2009). Identification Guide to the Australian Odonata. Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW. p. 188. ISBN   978-1-74232-475-3.
6. Watson, J.A.L.; Theischinger, G.; Abbey, H.M. (1991). The Australian Dragonflies: A Guide to the Identification, Distributions and Habitats of Australian Odonata. Melbourne: CSIRO. p. 278. ISBN   0-643-05136-8.