Leptobasis lucifer

(Donnelly, 1967)

Lucifer Swampdamsel

Leptobasis lucifer is a in the . It is relatively long and slender compared to other . The is found in swampy woodland in Central America, southern Mexico, and locally in southern Florida. Males are distinguished by black striping on a green and a bright red near the end of the . Females exhibit considerable color variation, ranging from dull greenish- to , reddish-orange, or green with a blue abdominal ring.

Leptobasis lucifer by (c) Dennis Vollmar, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Dennis Vollmar. Used under a CC-BY license.Leptobasis lucifer by Killdeermaster. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.Male Leptobasis lucifer by Killdeermaster. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Leptobasis lucifer: //ˌlɛptəˈbeɪsɪs ˈluːsɪfər//

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Identification

Males can be distinguished from other Leptobasis by the combination of black-striped green and bright red abdominal . Females are more difficult to identify due to color variability; the large is a useful diagnostic feature. Immatures of both sexes show distinctive pale blueish coloration absent in .

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Habitat

Swampy woodland , particularly cypress swamps. Individuals hunt near trees, scanning and hovering around leaves.

Distribution

Central America, southern Mexico, and locally in southern Florida.

Behavior

Hunts near trees, scanning and hovering around leaves in search for .

Ecological Role

in swamp woodland .

Similar Taxa

  • Other Leptobasis speciesSimilar body form and preferences; distinguished by male color pattern and female .

More Details

Taxonomic history

Originally described as Chrysobasis lucifer by Donnelly in 1967, later transferred to Leptobasis.

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Sources and further reading