Oplonaeschna
Selys, 1883
Riffle Darners
Species Guides
1- Oplonaeschna armata(Riffle Darner)
Oplonaeschna is a of dragonflies in the Aeshnidae, commonly known as riffle darners. The genus comprises approximately five described , including both extant and fossil . The type species, Oplonaeschna armata, has been the subject of limited ecological study. The genus was established by Selys in 1883.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Oplonaeschna: /ˌɒpləˈnɛʃnə/
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Identification
Members of Oplonaeschna can be distinguished from other Aeshnidae by features associated with their "riffle darners," suggesting to fast-flowing water . Specific diagnostic morphological characters for the genus require examination of wing venation, abdominal appendages, and thoracic patterning. Definitive identification to level requires specialized taxonomic expertise in Odonata .
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Habitat
The "riffle darners" indicates association with riffle —shallow, fast-flowing sections of streams and rivers with turbulent water over rocky substrates. This habitat preference distinguishes the from many other Aeshnidae that occupy lentic (still water) environments.
Life Cycle
As with other Anisoptera, Oplonaeschna undergoes hemimetabolous development with aquatic larval (naiad) stages and terrestrial stages. The naiad stage occupies the riffle before .
Similar Taxa
- AeshnaA large, widespread in the same ; Oplonaeschna is distinguished by its specialized riffle association versus the lentic habitats typical of most Aeshna .
- AnaxAnother Aeshnidae with large, powerful fliers; Oplonaeschna is generally smaller and restricted to lotic environments rather than the ponds and lakes frequented by Anax.
More Details
Fossil record
The includes fossil : Oplonaeschna lapidaria (Cockerell & Counts) and O. staurophlebioides (Henriksen, 1922). The extinct species †Aeschna metis (Heer, 1849) has also been assigned to this genus.
Taxonomic history
Oplonaeschna was described by Edmond de Sélys Longchamps in 1883. The has remained relatively small with limited diversification compared to other Aeshnidae genera.