408 12 Libellulidae

any other family of Anisoptera. The colorful adults are the
dragonflies familiar to many people. Temperate-zone popu-
lations can be abundant, especially in ponds and lakes; con-
versely, a few species appear to be restricted in range and as
a result are quite rare. Phylogenetic relationships within the
family are poorly understood (Ware et  al. 2007). The pro-
genitors of Libellulidae probably arose in the Jurassic Period
as the family was already well-established in the Cretaceous
(Fleck et al. 1999, 2008). Thus, it is likely that prior to 70
million years ago, many of the extant libellulid genera were
already present or were evolving, although many existing
species probably represent relatively recent clades.
The fusion of the primitive odonate prementum has pro-
gressed in the Libellulidae to the point that the ventromedial
groove still prominent in other Libelluloidea families is no
longer detectable (rarely a vestigial groove can be seen in
some Perithemis and Tholymis nymphs). This character,
along with the spoon-shaped prementum with numerous pal-
pal and premental setae, shallow to moderately deep distal
palpal crenations, typically 7-segmented antennae (rarely 6),
and 3-segmented prothoracic and mesothoracic tarsi charac-
terize the family Libellulidae. There is appreciable variation
in body shape within the family (Appendix I, Plates 5 and 6).
Some genera, such as Erythemis and Tramea, can be readily
identified in the field by body shape, although most others
can be challenging, and small morphological details must be
examined for determination. The compound eyes of many
libellulid nymphs are conspicuously patterned with alternat-
ing pale and dark longitudinal stripes; whether these stripes
are consistently present throughout the nymphal stage is
unknown as the stripes often become obscure or disappear,
perhaps due to post-mortem changes.
Libellulids are primarily lentic though a few genera in
North America, in particular Brechmorhoga, Macrothemis
and Paltothemis, inhabit lotic habitats. Population numbers
of some lentic libellulids can be extraordinary for predator
species (e.g., Paulson 2011a, b; Gregoire and Gregoire 2008a,
b). Development can be rapid, from egg to adult in less than
two months (Bick 1951; Kumar 1984; Morin 1984a, b),
although most nymphs take longer, from several months to a
year, and some are semivoltine. Some libellulids, especially
several lentic species, are highly tolerant of organic pollution
and low dissolved oxygen levels; compared to most other
aquatic insects, the family was given a high organic pollution
tolerance value by Hilsenhoff (1988), though exceptions
may be found in genera such as Brechmorhoga and
Macrothemis and possibly others.
The family is distributed throughout our region south of
65° north latitude. The fauna is limited in the far north to a
few species of Leucorrhinia, Libellula and Sympetrum; only
four species are found as far north as 68° north, in the
Northwest Territories. Eleven of the 29 genera in North
America (nearly 40%) are limited in geographic range to the
far southern portion of the United States. Most of these gen-
era are centered in the Neotropics, including Cannaphila,
Idiataphe, Macrodiplax, Macrothemis, Miathyria,
Micrathyria, Planiplax, Pseudoleon, Tauriphila and
Tholymis; one species of a Eurasian genus, Crocothemis, has
become established in the United States. Of the 29 genera of
libellulids in our region, the majority have middorsal hooks
on the abdomen [in 16 genera all species possess hooks, in
three genera hook presence is variable although the majority
of the species (30 of 39) have them, and in 10 genera hooks
are always absent]. In all, a majority (63%) of the 114 spe-
cies have middorsal hooks.

Key to the Genera of Libellulidae

For most genera, the key will work for one or two instars earlier than F-0 (F-1, F-2), but instars earlier than F-2 may not key
correctly for most genera.

1. Compound eyes in dorsal view occupying 1/3 or less head L, protruding above curvature of head capsule and usually
beyond anterior curvature of head (Fig. 12.1a); frontoclypeal ridge with numerous long setae across entire W, some
equal in L to first 3 antennomeres (Fig. 12.2a).................................................................................................................2
1′. Compound eyes in dorsal view occupying at least 1/2 head L, continuous with anterior curvature of head capsule
(Fig. 12.1b); frontoclypeal ridge usually with shorter, less conspicuous setae, mostly lateral, few or none medially, all
shorter than first 3 antennomeres (Fig. 12.2b) (exception: some Erythemis)...................................................................7
2. Distal margin of prementum straight or slightly concave, appearing smooth at low magnification although at 15× or
higher 2–5 crenulations visible between adjacent stout setae (Fig. 12.3a).......................................................................3
2′. Distal margin of prementum distinctly convex and crenate, a single rounded, relatively large crenation present between
adjacent stout setae (Fig. 12.3b).......................................................................................................................................5
12 Libellulidae 409

Fig. 12.1  Head capsule, dorsal view: (a) Libellula incesta; (b) Leucorrhinia intacta. Setae omitted

Fig. 12.2  Frontoclypeal ridge, dorsal view: (a) Libellula incesta; (b) Leucorrhinia intacta

Fig. 12.3  Prementum, ental view: (a) Libellula incesta; (b) Plathemis lydia. Insets show detail of portion of ligula margin (scale bar in enlarge-
ment = 0.2 mm)
410 12 Libellulidae

3. Compound eyes in lateral view projecting high above contour of head (Fig. 12.4a); distal palpal crenations narrow, each
with 1 spiniform seta; metathoracic tibia straight (Fig. 12.5a); median lobe of ligula not raised.......... Planiplax (p. 541)
3′. Compound eyes in lateral view projecting at most only slightly above contour of head (Fig.  12.4b); distal palpal
crenations wide, each with 3–6 spiniform setae; metathoracic tibia bowed (Fig.  12.5b); median lobe of ligula
raised.............................................................................................................................................................................4
4. Prementum with 2 or 3 primary setae separated from very short secondary setae by a large gap (Fig. 12.6a); compound
eye not protruding beyond lateral margin of head in dorsal view (Fig. 12.7a).................................Cannaphila (p. 444)
4′. Prementum with 5 or more primary setae separated from secondary setae by length of adjacent short seta or less (Fig. 12.6b);
compound eye protruding beyond lateral margin of head in dorsal view (Fig. 12.7b)....................................Libellula (p. 490)

Fig. 12.4  Head, lateral view, showing left compound eye relative to contour of head capsule: (a) Planiplax sp; (b) Libellula incesta. Only anten-
nomeres 1–3 shown

Fig. 12.5  Metathoracic tibia, lateral view: (a) Planiplax sp.; (b) Libellula cyanea
12 Libellulidae 411

Fig. 12.6  Premental setae: (a) Cannaphila vibex; (b) Libellula pulchella

Fig. 12.7  Compound eye in relation to lateral margin of head: (a) Cannaphila vibex; (b) Libellula forensis

5. Middorsal hooks absent on all abdominal segments (Fig. 12.8a); ratio of S9 L:W >6.0; ratio of prementum distal W:L
1.10–1.37 (Fig. 12.9a)........................................................................................................................... Orthemis (p. 522)
5′. Middorsal hooks present on at least S4–6, usually also on S7 and S8 (Fig.  12.8b); ratio of S9 L:W <5.0; ratio of
prementum distal W:L 0.92–1.13, usually <1.10 (Fig. 12.9b)......................................................................................... 6
6. Middorsal hooks present on S4–8 (Fig.  12.10a); ratio of epiproct L:combined S9+S10 middorsal L
0.90–1.10............................................................................................................................................................Ladona (p. 476)
6′. Middorsal hooks present on S3–6 at most (Fig.  12.10b); ratio of epiproct L:combined S9+S10 middorsal L
0.65–0.80...........................................................................................................................................Plathemis (p. 544)
7. All abdominal segments lacking middorsal hooks, including the anterior segments overlain by the wing sheaths....... 8
7′. Middorsal hooks present on some abdominal segments, sometimes absent on posterior segments but present on anterior
segments, hidden by wing sheaths................................................................................................................................. 17
412 12 Libellulidae

Fig. 12.8  Abdominal profile: (a) Orthemis ferruginea; (b) Ladona julia

Fig. 12.9  Prementum, distal width (W) relative to length (L), ventral view: (a) Orthemis ferruginea; (b) Plathemis lydia

Fig. 12.10  Abdominal profile: (a) Ladona julia; (b) Plathemis lydia
12 Libellulidae 413

8. Paraproct tips markedly decurved at apex (Fig.  12.11a); hind lobe of pronotum and mesothoracic spiracle raised
above level of imaginary line drawn from dorsal margin of head to dorsal margin of wing sheaths  (Fig. 
12.12a).................................................................................................................................................Erythemis (p. 461)
8′. Paraproct tips straight (Fig. 12.11b) or only slightly declined (Fig. 12.11c); hind lobe of pronotum and mesothoracic
spiracle even with or below level of imaginary line drawn from dorsal margin of head to dorsal margin of wing sheaths
(Fig. 12.12b)..................................................................................................................................................................... 9
9. F-0 total L <9.2 mm, head W <3.1 mm; 6 antennomeres, antm6 nearly twice as long as antm3; posterior margin of S9
tergite with fringe of long curved setae as long as S8–S9 middorsal L (Fig. 12.13a)................... Nannothemis (p. 519)
9′. F-0 total L ≥9.2 mm, head W >3.4 mm; 7 antennomeres, the antm6 approximately as long as antm3; posterior margin
of S9 tergite with very short spine-like setae and few if any long setae (Fig. 12.13b).................................................. 10

Fig. 12.11  Anal appendages, lateral view (setae omitted): (a) Erythemis simplicicollis; (b) Leucorrhinia glacialis; (c) Erythrodiplax minuscula

Fig. 12.12  Dorsal margin of head in relation to mesothoracic spiracles, lateral view (setae omitted): (a) Erythemis simplicicollis; (b) Leucorrhinia
glacialis

Fig. 12.13  Abdominal segments 8–10 and anal appendages, dorsolateral view (setae omitted except for segment 9): (a) Nannothemis bella; (b)
Erythrodiplax minuscula
414 12 Libellulidae

10. S8 posterolateral spine long, at least 1.5 times dorsomedial L of S8 (Fig. 12.14a); epiproct L >2 mm and abruptly
attenuated near or beyond mid-length (Fig. 12.15a)................................................................................ Tramea (p. 567)
10′. S8 posterolateral spine shorter, <dorsomedial L of S8 (Fig.  12.14b); epiproct L<2  mm and gradually tapered
(Fig. 12.15b)....................................................................................................................................................................11
11. S8 and S9 venter with an anterolateral sclerite (Fig. 12.16a); abdominal dorsum maculose, dark setal bases conspicuous
(Fig. 12.17a); frontoclypeal ridge with few very fine setae not extending to apex of antm2 (Fig. 12.18a).................. 12
11′. S8 venter without an anterolateral sclerite, S9 venter variable, with or without anterolateral sclerite (Fig.  12.16b);
abdominal dorsum appearing mostly smooth, dark setal bases small (Fig.  12.17b); frontoclypeal ridge with setae
numerous and extending to apex of antm2 (Fig. 12.18b).............................................................................................. 13

Fig. 12.14  Apex of abdomen, dorsal view: (a) Tramea onusta; (b) Leucorrhinia glacialis

Fig. 12.15  Epiproct, dorsal view: (a) Tramea carolina; (b) Leucorrhinia glacialis (scale bar = 1 mm)
12 Libellulidae 415

Fig. 12.16  Abdominal segments 8 and 9 venter, left side, ventral view: (a) Pachydiplax longipennis, with anterolateral sclerites indicated by
arrows; (b) Sympetrum corruptum, without anterolateral sclerites

Fig. 12.17  Terga of abdominal segments 6 and 7, right side, dorsal view, insets showing setae enlarged: (a) Pachydiplax longipennis; (b)
Sympetrum corruptum. Scale bar in insets = 0.05 mm

Fig. 12.18  Frontoclypeal ridge setae, dorsal view: (a) Pachydiplax longipennis; (b) Sympetrum corruptum
416 12 Libellulidae

12. S9 posterolateral spine at least 1.2 times middorsal L of S9; lateral margins of S3–6 with distinct spiniform
setae, 2 or 3 on S3, 8 or more on S6 (Fig.  12.19a); venter of S2–7 with a pair of submedian dark spots
(Fig. 12.20a)..................................................................................................................................... Pachydiplax (p. 526)
12′. S9 posterolateral spine 0.6–1.15 times middorsal L of S9; lateral margins of S3–6 with a few inconspicuous spiniform
setae (Fig. 12.19b); venter of S2–7 without conspicuous paired brown spots (Fig. 12.20b)............Micrathyria (p. 515)
13. Abdominal venter with 3 conspicuous, longitudinal dark stripes (Fig. 12.21a); ratio of S9 posterolateral spine L:S9
middorsal L 0.75–1.75......................................................................................................Leucorrhinia (in part) (p. 481)
13′. Abdominal venter with small brown spots or transverse bands, sometimes pattern faint to nearly completely pale
(Fig. 12.21b); ratio of S9 posterolateral spine L:S9 middorsal L 0.18–1.00 (ratio usually <0.7, exceptions >0.7 include
several species of Erythrodiplax)....................................................................................................................................14
14. Dorsolateral rim of prementum with 10–14 bristly, elongate setae (Fig. 12.22a); ratio of S9 posterolateral spine L:S9
middorsal L <0.25 (Fig. 12.23a)........................................................................................................Pseudoleon (p. 549)
14′. Dorsolateral rim of prementum without stout setae (Fig. 12.22b); ratio of S9 posterolateral spine L:S9 middorsal L
usually 0.3–1.4 (Fig. 12.23b)..........................................................................................................................................15
15. Prothorax either without dorsomedial setae or with at most a few short setae or one long, piliform seta (Fig. 12.24a),
any short setae not approaching level of hind lobe as seen in lateral view (Fig. 12.24b); distal margin of palpus with
either 3–5 spiniform setae on most crenations or 2 widely spaced spiniform setae............ Sympetrum (in part) (p. 552)
15′. Prothorax with dorsomedial cluster of 6–8 short, stout setae on each side of midline (Fig. 12.24c), several of which
project to level of hind lobe or above as seen in lateral view (Fig. 12.24d); distal margin of palpus with 1 or 2 spiniform
setae on most crenations, if 2 then closely spaced..........................................................................................................16

Fig. 12.19  Lateral margins of abdominal segments 3–6, dorsal view: (a) Pachydiplax longipennis; (b) Micrathyria hagenii
12 Libellulidae 417

Fig. 12.20  Abdomen, ventral view: (a) Pachydiplax longipennis (b) Micrathyria aequalis

Fig. 12.21  Abdomen, ventral view: (a) Leucorrhinia glacialis; (b) Sympetrum illotum
418 12 Libellulidae

Fig. 12.22  Prementum dorsolateral rim, dorsal view: (a) Pseudoleon superbus; (b) Sympetrum corruptum

Fig. 12.23  Abdominal segments 9 and 10 and anal appendages, dorsal view, showing relative segment 9 posterolateral spine length: (a) Pseudoleon
superbus; (b) Sympetrum corruptum

Fig. 12.24  Prothorax (a,c dorsal view) and prothoracic dorsal margin (b,d lateral view): a and b are Sympetrum corruptum, c and d are
Erythrodiplax minuscula; ds = dorsomedial setae, hl = hind lobe
12 Libellulidae 419

16. Distal palpal crenations extremely shallow, barely distinct (Fig. 12.25a); S6 lateral margin with 5–9 small stout spinules and
at most 1 proximal, longer darker seta (Fig. 12.26a); prementum distal W (F-0) 3.8–4.15 mm............Crocothemis (p. 453)
16′. Distal palpal crenations shallow but distinct (Fig. 12.25b); S6 lateral margin with numerous, relatively long, fine pale setae
but without small stout spinules (Fig. 12.26b); prementum distal W (F-0) 2.5–3.8 mm...................Erythrodiplax (p. 468)
17. Middorsal hook on S9 (Fig. 12.27a)...............................................................................................................................18
17′. Middorsal hook absent on S9 (Fig. 12.27b)....................................................................................................................24
18. Epiproct as long as or longer than combined middorsal length of S8+S9 (ratio 1.0–1.4), excluding middorsal hooks
(Fig. 12.28a); prementum dorsolateral rim without spiniform setae (Fig. 12.29a)........................................................19
18′. Epiproct shorter than combined middorsal length of S8+S9 (ratio 0.45–0.8), excluding middorsal hooks (Fig. 12.28b);
prementum dorsolateral rim with spiniform setae, variable in number and location, either near mid-length and
conspicuous (Fig. 12.29b) or near base and pale or otherwise inconspicuous (Fig. 12.29c).........................................20

Fig. 12.25  Distal palpal crenations, anterior view: (a) Crocothemis servilia; (b) Erythrodiplax berenice

Fig. 12.26  Lateral margin of abdominal segment 6, right side, dorsal view: (a) Crocothemis servilia; (b) Erythrodiplax berenice; scale bar =
0.1 mm
420 12 Libellulidae

Fig. 12.27  Abdominal segments 8–10, lateral view: (a) Dythemis velox; (b) Tauriphila australis

Fig. 12.28  Apex of abdomen, dorsal view (setae omitted): (a) Brachymesia furcata; (b) Dythemis velox

Fig. 12.29  Dorsolateral rim of prementum, right side, dorsal view: (a) Brachymesia gravida; (b) Brechmorhoga mendax; (c) Perithemis tenera.
Not to same scale
12 Libellulidae 421

19. Labial hinge with numerous, short stout, mostly pale setae (Fig. 12.30a); venter of S8 and S9 with a small anterolateral
sclerite on each side (Fig. 12.31a).................................................................................................. Brachymesia (p. 434)
19′. Labial hinge without short stout setae (Fig.  12.30b); venter of S8 and S9 without small anterolateral sclerite
(Fig. 12.31b).......................................................................................................................................... Idiataphe (p. 473)
20. Venter of S3–5 without an anterolateral sclerite (Fig.  12.32a); ratio of antenna L:middorsal head L <0.75; ratio of
metathoracic tibia L:head W 0.9–1.1; metathoracic femur not extending posteriorly as far as S7................................21
20′. Venter of S3–5 with an anterolateral sclerite (Fig.  12.32b); ratio of antenna L:middorsal head L >0.90; ratio of
metathoracic tibia L:head W 1.2–1.3; metathoracic femur extending posteriorly beyond S7........................................22
21. Antefrons maculose (Fig. 12.33a); middorsalhooks on S1–9, those on S7–9 low, appressed (Fig. 12.34a); ratio of S9
posterolateral spine L:S9 middorsal L (excluding middorsal hook) 0.22–0.45........................... Brechmorhoga (p. 439)
21′. Antefrons unspotted (Fig.  12.33b); middorsal hooks on S2 or 3–9, those on S7–9 high (Fig.  12.34b); ratio of S9
posterolateral spine L:S9 middorsal L (excluding middorsal hook) 0.70–1.05.............................. Macrothemis (p. 506)
22. Venter of both S8 and S9 with a distinct, oval anterolateral sclerite on each side (Fig.  12.35a); S10 with a blunt
middorsal hook (Fig. 12.36a); apex of antm7 bulbous, pointed-dome shape........................................Tholymis (p. 564)
22′. Venter of both S8 and S9 without an anterolateral sclerite (Fig. 12.35b); S10 without a middorsal hook (Fig. 12.36b);
apex of antm7 acuminate................................................................................................................................................23

Fig. 12.30  Labial hinge and base of prementum, ventral and lateral views: (a) Brachymesia furcata; (b) Idiataphe cubensis
422 12 Libellulidae

Fig. 12.31  Venter of abdominal segments 8 and 9, left side: (a) Brachymesia furcata; (b) Idiataphe cubensis

Fig. 12.32  Venter of abdominal segment 5, left side: (a) Brechmorhoga mendax, without anterolateral sclerite; (b) Dythemis velox, with antero-
lateral sclerite

Fig. 12.33  Antefrons, dorsal view: (a) Brechmorhoga mendax; (b) Macrothemis pseudimitans.
12 Libellulidae 423

Fig. 12.34  Abdomen, profile: (a) Brechmorhoga mendax; (b) Macrothemis pseudimitans

Fig. 12.35  Venter of abdominal segments 8 and 9, left side: (a) Tholymis citrina, showing anterolateral sclerites; (b) Perithemis tenera, showing
small sclerite on segment 9 and lack of anterolateral sclerite on segment 8

Fig. 12.36  Abdominal segment 10, profile: (a) Tholymis citrina; (b) Dythemis velox
424 12 Libellulidae

23. Apex of retracted labial hinge rests between prothoracic coxae; ratio of S9 posterolateral spine L:S9 middorsal L
(excluding hook) 0.80–1.20; S5 and S6 middorsal hooks usually directed posterodorsally (Fig. 12.37a); palpal setae
7–11...................................................................................................................................................... Dythemis (p. 457)
23′. Apex of retracted labial hinge rests between mesothoracic coxae; ratio of S9 posterolateral spine L:S9 middorsal L 0.25–
0.55; S5 and S6 middorsal hooks directed more posteriorly (Fig. 12.37b); palpal setae 4–7.................... Perithemis (p. 537)
24. Apex of retracted labial hinge rests distal to mesothoracic coxae (Fig. 12.38a); crenations on distal margin of palpus
deep (Fig. 12.39a); dorsolateral rim of prementum with about 12–20 prominent short setae (Fig. 12.40a)..................25
24′. Apex of retracted labial hinge rests between mesothoracic coxae (Fig. 12.38b); crenations on distal margin of palpus
shallow (Fig. 12.39b); dorsolateral rim of prementum without stout setae (Fig. 12.40b)..............................................26
25. S9 posterolateral spine shorter than middorsal L of S9 (Fig.  12.41a); middorsal hooks on S2–7 (Fig. 
12.42a).............................................................................................................................................. Paltothemis (p. 529)
25′. S9 posterolateral spine longer than middorsal L of S9 (Fig. 12.41b); middorsal hooks on S2–4 (Fig. 12.42b), beneath
wing sheaths............................................................................................................................................. Pantala (p. 532)
26. S8 middorsal hook extending to distal margin of S10 or beyond (Fig.  12.43a); compound eyes elongate-oval in
longitudinal axis and sloping markedly posteriorly, head capsule shape approaching a square, dorsum glabrous
(Fig. 12.44a)....................................................................................................................................................................27
26′. S8 middorsal hook, if present, extending at most to posterior margin of S9 (Fig.  12.43b); compound eyes oval in
transverse axis and sloping more gradually posteriorly, head capsule shape more rectangular, dorsum partly to mostly
setose (Fig. 12.44b).........................................................................................................................................................29

Fig. 12.37  Abdomen, profile: (a) Dythemis velox; (b) Perithemis tenera

Fig. 12.38  Labial hinge, ventral view: (a) Paltothemis lineatipes; (b) Sympetrum costiferum
12 Libellulidae 425

Fig. 12.39  Distal margin of palpus, anterior view: (a) Paltothemis lineatipes; (b) Sympetrum costiferum

Fig. 12.40  Prementum, left side, dorsal view: (a) Paltothemis lineatipes; (b) Sympetrum costiferum. DR = dorsolateral rim; PS = premental setae
426 12 Libellulidae

Fig. 12.41  Posterolateral spines on abdominal segments 8 and 9, dorsal view: (a) Paltothemis lineatipes; (b) Pantala hymenaea

Fig. 12.42  Abdominal profile: (a) Paltothemis lineatipes; (b) Pantala hymenaea

Fig. 12.43  Abdominal segments 8–10, profile: (a) Miathyria marcella; (b) Leucorrhinia intacta

Fig. 12.44  Head capsule, dorsal view: (a) Tauriphila argo; (b) Leucorrhinia intacta. Only antm1 and 2 shown; setae omitted
12 Libellulidae 427

27. Epiproct long, triangular (Fig.  12.45a), ratio of L:basal W >1.6; palpal setae 12 or 13; premental setae 16 or
more.................................................................................................................................................Macrodiplax (p. 502)
27′. Epiproct either semicircular (Fig. 12.45b) or short, triangular-ovate (Fig. 12.46a), ratio of L:basal W <1.2; palpal setae
6–8; premental setae 12 or fewer....................................................................................................................................28
28. Palpal setae 5–7; antenna L <middorsal head L; apex of metathoracic femur positioned alongside abdomen
at level of anterior aspect of S8; epiproct triangular-ovate in dorsal view, about 2/3 paraproct L (Fig. 
12.46a)...................................................................................................................................Miathyria (p. 511)
28′. Palpal setae 9–10; antenna L >middorsal head L; apex of metathoracic femur positioned alongside abdomen at level of
posterior aspect of S9; epiproct semicircular in dorsal view, <1/2 paraproct L (Fig. 12.46b)............ Tauriphila (p. 560)

Fig. 12.45  Anal appendages, dorsal view: (a) Macrodiplax balteata; (b) Tauriphila australis; ep = epiproct

Fig. 12.46  Anal appendages, dorsal view: (a) Miathyria marcella; (b) Tauriphila australis; ep = epiproct
428 12 Libellulidae

29. Anterior margin of compound eye transverse for about half its length from medial corner outward before abruptly curving
posteriorly (Fig. 12.47a); middle palpal crenations each with 2 or 3 spiniform setae (Fig. 12.48a); dorsolateral rim of
prementum proximal to articulation with palpus usually uniformly pale (Fig. 12.49a)........... Sympetrum (in part) (p. 552)
29′. Anterior margin of compound eye angled and gradually curving posteriorly from medial corner outward, not transverse
for any part of its length (Fig. 12.47b); middle palpal crenations each with either 1 or 2 spiniform setae or with 4 or 5
spiniform setae (Fig. 12.48b); dorsolateral rim of prementum proximal to articulation with palpus usually with a faint
to distinct brown spot (Fig. 12.49b)................................................................................................................................30
30. Middle palpal crenations each with 4 or 5 spiniform setae (Fig. 12.48b); S8 without a middorsal hook; ratio of S9
posterolateral spine L:basal W >2.8 (Fig.  12.50a); venter of S4–7 each with a single small dark spot positioned
anterolaterally, otherwise abdominal venter without obvious brown patterning (Fig. 12.51a).......... Celithemis (p. 447)
30′. Middle palpal crenations each with 1 or 2 spiniform setae; S8 usually with a middorsal hook (1 of 4 species, L.
hudsonica, without a hook); ratio of S9 posterolateral spine L:basal W <2.8 (Fig. 12.50b); venter of S4–7 either with 4
rows of dark spots (Fig. 12.128a), transverse dark stripes (Fig. 12.128b), 3 longitudinal dark stripes (Fig. 12.128d,e),
occasionally mostly pale (Fig. 12.51b).............................................................................Leucorrhinia (in part) (p. 481)

Fig. 12.47  Head capsule, dorsal view: (a) Sympetrum obtrusum; (b) Leucorrhinia intacta. Only antm1 and 2 shown; setae omitted

Fig. 12.48  Middle palpal crenations, anterior view: (a) Sympetrum vicinum; (b) Celithemis elisa