Aztec Glider
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Tauriphila azteca
Calvert, 1906
Order Odonata
Suborder Anisoptera
Superfamily Libelluloidea
Family Libellulidae
Genus Tauriphila
Species azteca Calvert, 1906 [Tauriphila]
Identification
The species has a yellow abdomen marked with distinct bands at each segment. These contrasting colors along with the dark basal spot in each hindwing will readily distinguish this species from others in our region. Males have a brown face with a metallic violet luster. The thorax is brown and largely unmarked. There is a black middorsal stripe on abdominal segments 8-10 and the caudal appendages are black.
Size
Total length: 40-44 mm; abdomen: 29-35 mm; hindwing: 34-38 mm.
Similar Species
Hyacinth Glider (Miathyria marcella
) is smaller, has pale lateral thoracic stripes and a middorsal black stripe on the abdomen. Marl Pennant (Macrodiplax balteata
) has a larger round spot basally in the hindwing.
Habitat
Slow, calm waters with emergent or floating vegetation.
Discussion
The only record of this species in the region is a single male specimen in the Florida State Collection of Arthropods collected in Kingsville, Texas. As its common name implies this species has a distinct gliding flight, ranging widely when feeding. Males patrol territories over floating plants, where females lay eggs at their bases (Dunkle pers. comm.).
Distribution
South Texas, Mexico, West Indies, Guatemala and Costa Rica.
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