The final instar exuviae of the genus Urothemis in Africa (Odonata: Libellulidae)

摘要

Four of the five species of the final instar exuviae of the genus Urothemis found in the Ethiopian Region are illustrated and described here, with U. venata being described for the first time. In addition, comparison is provided with the common Asian species U signata. The feature which best defines the species within the genus is the variation in eye shape. As to the African species, colour and patterning are variable but distinctive and can be used in identification. As to structural differences, U. assignata and U. edwardsii are similar in that they have strong lateral and dorsal abdominal spines. The remaining two species, U. thomasi and U. venata, have much smaller spines. The exuviae of the remaining species, U. luciana, is unknown. On the evidence of exuviae, U. thomasi is quite distinct from the Asian U. signata of which it is thought to be a subspecies.