| Libellago indica | |
|---|---|
| | |
| Male | |
| | |
| Female | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Odonata |
| Suborder: | Zygoptera |
| Family: | Chlorocyphidae |
| Genus: | Libellago |
| Species: | L. indica |
| Binomial name | |
| Libellago indica (Fraser, 1928) | |
| Synonyms | |
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Libellago indica, [1] the southern heliodor, [2] is a species of damselfly in the family Chlorocyphidae. It is found only in South India. It breeds in hill streams and rivers. [3] [4]
Fraser described this damselfly in 1928 as a subspecies of Libellago lineata . [5] [6] Most authors have followed Fraser's original view for a long time, although Lieftinck considered L. indica as a good species (Lieftinck, 1940, p. 88; 1955, p. 68; 1971, p. 206). Recently De Fonseka 2000, Hämäläinen 2002 [7] and World Odonata List [1] listed L. indica as a good species.
It is a small damselfly with large head and brown capped yellowish eyes. Its thorax is black with yellow marks. Wings are transparent with apical black spots on the fore-wings. The abdomen is black with large yellow spots on lateral sides on segments 2 to 7. Segments 2 to 5 have broad mid-dorsal black stripes which is absent in L. lineata lineata. These abdominal markings will help to easily distinguish it from other Libellago lineata . Female is dull brown and with transparent wings. Sub-adult males have also transparent wings. [5] [6]
It is common on the banks of rivers and streams flowing through the forests. Frequently found sitting in emergent water plants and overhanging bushes. It breeds in hill streams and rivers. [6]
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