Ladona
Needham, 1897
Corporals
Species Guides
3- Ladona deplanata(Blue Corporal)
- Ladona exusta(white corporal)
- Ladona julia(Chalk-fronted Corporal)
Ladona is a of in the Libellulidae, commonly known as corporals. Molecular phylogenetic evidence supports its status as a monophyletic lineage distinct from the closely related genera Libellula and Plathemis. The genus contains three recognized distributed in the Nearctic region. Historical taxonomic debate has centered on whether Ladona should be treated as a separate genus, subgenus, or synonym of Libellula.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Ladona: /ləˈdoʊ.nə/
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Identification
Ladona can be distinguished from Libellula and Plathemis by morphological characters that historically formed the basis of generic separation, though specific diagnostic features are not detailed in available sources. Molecular data (mitochondrial 16S rRNA) support its distinctness from these related . The "corporals" likely refers to dark shoulder patches present in some species, resembling military rank insignia.
Images
Distribution
Nearctic region, with distribution largely overlapping that of Libellula in the temperate zone of the Northern Hemisphere.
Similar Taxa
- LibellulaHistorically considered congeneric or closely related; distinguished by molecular and subtle morphological characters. Libellula contains more (twenty-nine versus three in Ladona) and is the type of Libellulidae.
- PlathemisAnother historically debated as synonym, subgenus, or separate genus; molecular evidence supports all three as distinct monophyletic lineages within Libellulidae.
More Details
Taxonomic History
The generic status of Ladona has been debated for over a century, with proposals ranging from full to subgenus of Libellula to synonymy. A 1999 molecular phylogenetic study using mitochondrial 16S rRNA sequences provided the first rigorous support for treating Ladona as a monophyletic lineage distinct from Libellula sensu stricto. The study found a sister group relationship between Libellula and Ladona, with both distinct from Plathemis.