Ceriagrion tenellum (Villers, 1789)
Small Red Damsel

Type locality: North Africa, no locality data available.

Diagnosis

This tiny and weak-flying damselfly is the only Ceriagrion found in north-west Africa (from where it extends into Europe) and therefore easily recognised by the entirely red male abdomen, reddish legs and pterostigma, and absence of postocular spots. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Lewington 2006]

Habitat description

Streams, but also headwaters, in open landscapes or sometimes open areas in forest. Usually with emergent and often aquatic vegetation. From 0 to 2100 m above sea level, but mostly below 300.

Distribution

confirmed: Algeria; Morocco; Tunisia

Map citation: Clausnitzer, V., K.-D.B. Dijkstra, R. Koch, J.-P. Boudot, W.R.T. Darwall, J. Kipping, B. Samraoui, M.J. Samways, J.P. Simaika & F. Suhling, 2012. Focus on African Freshwaters: hotspots of dragonfly diversity and conservation concern. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment 10: 129-134.


Reference

  • de Villers, C.J. (1789). Lugduni, Piestre et Delamolliere, 1-657.

Citation: Dijkstra, K.-D.B (editor). African Dragonflies and Damselflies Online. http://addo.adu.org.za/ [2024-03-28].