Ivory-striped Sylph
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Macrothemis imitans
Karsch, 1890
Order Odonata
Suborder Anisoptera
Superfamily Libelluloidea
Family Libellulidae
Genus Macrothemis
Species imitans Karsch, 1890 [Macrothemis]
Syn Macrothemis imitans leucozona Ris,
Identification
This is one of the two smaller sylphs that occur in the region. The top of the head is distinctively metallic blue in males and brown in females. The eyes males are deep aqua blue. The thorax is dark brown or black with a pair of abbreviated pale middorsal stripes and a whitish green anterior lateral stripe followed by 2-3 pale spots. The middorsal thoracic stripes are scant or entirely absent in females. The wings are clear with a touch of yellow flavescence throughout. The pale middorsal stripe on the abdomen is interrupted and segments 7-9 are broadly expanded in the male. The male cerci are upturned to appear as a high-heel shoe, when viewed laterally.
Size
Total length: 35-37 mm; abdomen: 25-27 mm; hindwing: 25-29 mm.
Similar Species
Jade-striped Sylph (M. inequiunguis
) can be distinguished by its nearly complete middorsal thoracic stripes and broader dark lateral stripes forming a IY or YY pattern. Straw-colored Sylph (M. inacuta
) is larger with the pale anterior lateral thoracic stripe interrupted. Blue Dasher (Pachydiplax longipennis
) lacks a clubbed abdomen. Thornbush Dasher (Micrathyria hagenii
) has a IYI lateral thoracic pattern.
Habitat
Rocky streams and rivers
Discussion
This species feeds in sustained flights and males fly back and forth low over shallow riffles. It is only known from a few counties in central Texas west to the Devlis River.
Distribution
Central Texas and Mexico south to Argentina.
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