Identification and distribution of the Philippine endemic Trithemis adelpha
(Odonata: Libellulidae)
Identification and distribution of the Philippine endemic Trithemis adelpha (Odonata: Libellulidae) 00
Joseph Hermanna ✉️, Karin Verspuia ✉️, Reagan Villanuevab, Stijn de Winc ✉️, Vincent J. Kalkmana ✉️
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, P.O Box 9517, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
- College of Medicine, Jose Maria College Foundation, Inc. Philippine-Japan Friendship Highway, Davao City, 8000 Davao del Sur, Philippines
- Independent researcher
International Journal of Odonatology, Volume 29, Pages 87-94, 2026
https://doi.org/10.48156/1388.2026.1917388
Published: 20 May 2026 (Received: 16 February 2026, Accepted: 24 April 2026)
Abstract
A review based on material available at Naturalis Biodiversity Center (RMNH) and images available on iNaturalist and Observation.org shows that Trithemis adelpha, often regarded a synonym of T. aurora, is a valid species and can be identified with relative ease. Trithemis adelpha has a more slender abdomen but is morphologically largely similar to T. aurora. It however differs in the general colouration of the body (red instead of purple) and the extent of black pattern on the thorax and abdomen. Based on the new records it is shown that this Philippines endemic is widespread occurring on all major islands with the exception of Palawan and Negros. Field observations indicate that this species has, compared to T. aurora, a preference for larger waterbodies, and is often found at slow flowing sections of larger streams.
Keywords: Anisoptera, dragonfly, Philippines, Southeast Asia
Issue section: Original Article
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