Die Unterscheidung der Männchen von Zenithoptera fasciata (Linnaeus, 1758), Z. viola Ris, 1910, und Z. lanei Santos, 1941 (Anisoptera: Libellulidae)

The opinion is expressed that Libellula fasciata Linnaeus is based upon C. DeGHHR’s type specimen of his L. violacea ( 1773, Mem.serv.hist.ins.,T.3)\ the latter is identic to what is now known as Zenithoptera fasciata (L.). Libellula americana Linnaeus was described from a figure in G. EDWARDS (1751, A natural history of birds, Vol.4, London), hence the reference to this work in the original diagnosis of L. fasciata is considered erroneous. The distinctive structural features of the males of the 3 spp. are figured, viz. the thoracic and wing patterns, the position of the ventral tooth of the superior appendages, and the penile organ. A figure of the ventral aspect of the abdomen of the Z. fasciata female is also provided.