Orthetrum brunneum (Fonsc.) from northwestern Xinjiang, China (Anisoptera: Libellulidae)

During a herpetological field trip in the Chinese province of Xinjiang, the second author took some photographs of a libellulid dragonfly which has been identified as O. brunneum. The species was recorded on 8 July 1996 at a river nearToksun (Tuokexiong), about 43"N, 88°E, South of the provinicial capital, Urumqi. East of Toksun lies the famous Turphan Depression which, at 154 m below sea level, is the second deepest depression in the world. The river is perennial and has its source in eastern Tienshan. Its banks are lined for a few dozen meters only, with sparse vegetation and then the land turns abruptly into stony desert. During the visit, the river was heavily laden with silt and coloured yellowish-brown.