Die Larve von Sympetrum sinaiticum tarraconensis Jödicke (Anisoptera: Libellulidae)

The Iberian ssp. is characterized by lack of mid-dorsal spines. A larval key is provided for the separation between this taxon and the sympatric Sympetrum fonscolombii, Crocothemis erythraea and Diplacodes lefebvrii with similar morphology. The description of the larva of S. s. arenicolor, which is said to have mid-dorsal spines (KHARITONOV, A.Yu. & S.N. BORISOV, 1991. Vestn. Zool. 1991: 76-77), needs confirmation. Reproductive behaviour is confined to the late summer, but emergence period starts early in the year. Oviposition takes place in running and stagnant waters.