Diplacodes haematodes (Burmeister, 1839)

(Fig. 80)

Libellula haematodes Burmeister, 1839: 849; Trithemis rubra Foerster, 1898; Trithemis subhyalina Foerster, 1898 .

Distribution (Fig. 81). This species is recorded from Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu (Tsuda 2000). Reported from Île des Pins without voucher specimens, it occurs widely on Grande Terre, having been found at nearly 70 localities. One specimen from Nouméa is in the ONNC collection and another one, collected in January 2007, is held at the CXMNC collection.

Habitat. Diplacodes haematodes occurs in sunny places with standing water or streams with a moderate rate of flow. It tolerates ultramafic soil.

Biology and behaviour. The larva was illustrated by Theischinger & Hawking (2006). Exuviae are found not far above the water level, hanging from waterside vegetation. Couples oviposit in tandem, the female touching the water with her abdomen up to twenty times.

Status. In view of its wide distribution, D. haematodes does not appear threatened in New Caledonia. We rank it LC.