Anaciaeschna jaspidea Burmeister, 1839

(Fig. 41)

Aeschna jaspidea Burmeister, 1839: 840; Protoaeschna pseudochiri Foerster, 1908; Aeschna tahitensis Brauer, 1865 .

Distribution (Fig. 42). This species is recorded from the Oriental Region (India to Japan) as well as northern Australia, New Guinea and most Pacific Islands, including French Polynesia (Paulian 1998; Tsuda 2000). We found this species only at a pond in Kouaoua, but Davies (2002) and Winstanley & Davies (1983) observed it elsewhere. Some specimens collected in Nouméa are in the ONNC collection and a pair, collected in 2002 at the pond of the Agronomic Research Station in Pocquereux (La Foa municipality) is held in the CXMNC collection.

Habitat. It reproduces in stading waters such as permanent pools, ponds and lakes, but also in slowly running water (Theischinger & Hawking 2006).

Biology and behaviour. This migratory and crepuscular species is very difficult to observe and it is almost always encountered incidentally. Its biology is poorly documented.

Status. Anaciaeschna jaspidea appears sporadically in New Caledonia. Lacking recent information on its indigenous status, we assign it to the status DD.