Idiataphe

Cowley, 1934

Metallic Pennants

Idiataphe is a of -sized in the , commonly known as metallic pennants. range from 34–42 mm in length. The genus occurs from northeastern Argentina through Brazil and the Antilles to Florida. Four species are currently recognized, including the metallic pennant (I. cubensis).

Idiataphe by (c) Dennis Vollmar, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Dennis Vollmar. Used under a CC-BY license.Idiataphe cubensis by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.Idiataphe cubensis by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Idiataphe: /ˌɪdiəˈtæfi/

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Identification

size (34–42 mm) and metallic coloration distinguish Idiataphe from many other libellulid . The "metallic pennant" refers to I. cubensis and may indicate a pennant-like posture or marking pattern, though specific diagnostic features for the genus are not well documented in available sources.

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Appearance

-sized , 34–42 mm in body length. Members of this exhibit metallic coloration, as reflected in the "metallic pennants."

Distribution

Northeastern Argentina, through Brazil and the Antilles, north to Florida. GBIF records confirm presence in Colombia.

Similar Taxa

  • Other Libellulidae genera size and metallic coloration may overlap with other skimmer ; specific and abdominal patterning would be needed for definitive separation, though these details are not documented in available sources.

More Details

Etymology

The name Idiataphe was established by Cowley in 1934. The "metallic pennants" refers to the distinctive metallic sheen of these .

Species diversity

The contains four recognized : Idiataphe amazonica (Kirby, 1889), I. batesi (Ris, 1913), I. cubensis (Scudder, 1866), and I. longipes (Hagen, 1861).

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Sources and further reading