taxonID	type	description	language	source
B042BE13FF9AAA7671DD52B2FE5FF955.taxon	vernacular_names	Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 — Knifetails	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF9AAA7671DD52B2FE5FF955.taxon	etymology	Etymology. From the Ancient Greek νήΣΟΣ (nêsos) — island (McLachlan 1882) and Cordulia — the feminine form of Latinised adjective derived from Greek ΚΟΡδύλη — club or cudgel (Fliedner & Endersby 2019).	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF9AAA7671DD52B2FE5FF955.taxon	description	Description. Rather small to medium-sized dragonflies, total length 41 – 60 mm, Hw 28 – 41 mm. Arched posterior border of eyes. All male tibiae with whitish tibial keels, contrasting with the dark background. Male with auricles on S 2. Abdomen clubbed, S 7 – 10 being expanded (with S 8 the widest), although less so in females. Dorsum of male S 10 with spine- or keel-like longitudinal tergal process, which ends distally in an acute point. Anal triangle of male Hw with 2 cells (large basal and small apical). Fw with 1 Cux, Hw with 2. Anal loop long and sack-shaped, ending well distal of triangle, with 12 – 20 (mostly 13 – 18) cells in males, and 15 – 22 (mostly 15 – 20) in females. Colouration generally dark (partly with metallic reflections) with yellow patterning. Metallic reflections found on synthorax and head, but not on abdomen, and are mostly green, but also blue, violet, bronze, copper and golden. On head these are present regularly on vertex, frons and sides of postclypeus. A yellow centre of clypeus in all but one species. Labrum most frequently dark, labium pale or two-toned. Eyes when alive are purplish brown anterodorsally and blue posteroventrally, sometimes with bright green in between. On synthorax, metallic reflections occupy various areas, from three distinct stripes to almost whole strongly melanised surface. On mesepisternum, a metallic stripe with a non-metallic brown area in various proportions: regularly covers upper parts along the middorsal carina, but in some cases almost the whole surface except the brown anterolateral corner (sometimes with a blurred yellow spot). On mesepimeron, metallic reflections occur especially in its anterior parts, where green is frequently extended down with copper. On metepisternum, variably extensive metallic reflections encircle a yellow spot. On metepimeron, a metallic green stripe covers its anterior region. On synthoracic sides of all but one species, diagnostic pattern of 2 – 5 pure yellow spots. Poststernum pale (in colour of thoracic spots) or dark (in colour of thoracic background). Legs mostly dark, brown to black, with increasing amounts of yellow (or reddish brown in two reddish brown species) from hindlegs to forelegs, usually found on: (a) coxa in hindlegs, (b) coxa and trochanter in midlegs, and (c) coxa, trochanter and part of femur in forelegs, where spread from its base to two thirds of the length. Except reddish brown species, paired yellow pattern on black abdomen. In most species, S 2 on each side with: (a) two yellow spots laterodorsally, and (b) a long lateroventral spot or two smaller spots, rearwards entering at least basally into the genital lobe. On each side of S 3 – 6, the laterodorsal pattern including anterior and posterior stripes, the former frequently on all segments (in some cases reduced to S 3 – 5 or S 3 – 4) while the latter frequently limited to S 3 and S 4 only. In females, the yellow pattern is more complete. The anterior and posterior stripes differ in their form (best visible on S 3): the former has its dorsal margin concave and the latter convex. The S 3 – 6 pattern is interspecifically variable. In many species, paired basal laterodorsal yellow spots on S 7, most frequently forming a continuous or broken ring or half-ring. Along the ventral carina of S 3 – 6, pale yellowish lines, in some cases broadened anteriorly.	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF9BAA7171DD5393FAC3FBD7.taxon	description	Figs 1, 15 – 19, 20 c, d http: // zoobank. org / urn: lsid: zoobank. org: act: 45 F 48 E 7 A- 7 BEE- 46 C 6 - 9 D 2 C-D 585834376 C 8	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF9BAA7171DD5393FAC3FBD7.taxon	etymology	Etymology. A declinable feminine Latin adjective, formed from colorata- plus superlative suffix - issima, “ the most colourful ”. This is the most variegated species, with a striking spectrum of black, rusty brown, yellow, and white, as well as metallic with green, blue, golden, bronze, and violet reflections.	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF9BAA7171DD5393FAC3FBD7.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Holotype male (RMNH. INS. 1679786) and two paratype males (RMNH. INS. 1552533, 1552535), all from Isalo Ranch, 22.5919 ° S, 45.3921 ° E, 805 m asl, near Isalo National Park, Ihorombe Region, Madagascar, 09.01.2016, leg. K. - D. B. Dijkstra and A. Ravelomanana. Two paratype females: (RMNH. INS. 1679787), Isalo Ranch, 22.5919 ° S, 45.3921 ° E, 805 m asl, near Isalo National Park, Ihorombe Region, Madagascar, 09.01.2016, leg. K. - D. B. Dijkstra and A. Ravelomanana, and (RMNH. INS. 1679789), Kirindy Forest near lodge and research station, 20.07 ° S, 44.66 ° E, 58 m asl, Menabe Region, Madagascar, 14.11.2014, leg. K. - D. B. Dijkstra. Photographic records. All individuals identified by us from photographs (originally given as N. malgassica at the indicated internet platforms). [1] Female, 22.4655 ° S, 45.2619 ° E, 968 m asl, Isalo National Park, Ihorombe Region, 25.11.2018, photo by Charles Sharp (https: // commons. wikimedia. org / wiki / File: Nesocordulia _ malgassica _ female. jpg). [2] Male, 22.5583 ° S, 45.3969 ° E, 761 m asl, near Isalo National Park, Ihorombe Region, 02.02.2020, photo by Valentina Volkova (https: // www. inaturalist. org / observations / 39941193). [3] Female, 22.5393 ° S, 45.3776 ° E, 803 m asl, Isalo National Park, Ihorombe Region, 21.11.2023, photo by user name “ augerben ” (https: // www. inaturalist. org / observations / 195677439).	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF9BAA7171DD5393FAC3FBD7.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. This rather small Nesocordulia species is the most colourful and extensively yellow-marked in the genus. The black abdomen marked with yellow up to the base of S 7, while the remainder is uniformly rufous, is unique, as are the yellow occipital triangle, yellow frons sides, broadly yellow centre of labrum, and the especially large yellow spot on the mesepimeron and metepisternum (sometimes narrowly divided into two large triangular spots but more frequently fused). The hamule and cerci are also unique (see Figs 15 – 16 and 17 – 18, respectively), although the former is similar to that of N. evanida.	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF9BAA7171DD5393FAC3FBD7.taxon	description	Description. Holotype male. Total length 45.0, abdomen (excluding appendages) 31.5, Fw 31.9, Hw 31.0, Fw Pt 2.1, cerci 2.2. Fw Ax 12, Fw Px 7 – 8, Hw Ax 7 – 8, Hw Px 9 – 10. Head. Face dark metallic, marked extensively with yellow (Fig. 1 e). Vertex and postfrons metallic blue with some green and violet reflections. Frons sides pure yellow. Antefrons mostly glistening dark bronze with a greyish creamy bar along the clypeus margin. Anteclypeus and centre of postclypeus yellow, sides of postclypeus metallic (green and dark bronze). Labrum glossy brownish black with a large yellow centre and a small dark brown spot in the middle. Labium yellow (Fig. 1 f). Occipital triangle yellow. Postgenae black. Eyes in life purplish brown anterodorsally and light blue posteroventrally, with a thin bright green line in between (Fig. 1 a). Thorax. Synthorax brown and dark-metallic (mostly green reflections), with three pure yellow spots on sides: the upper large spot, extending across the mesepimeron and metepisternum and forming two branches around the metastigma, and two spots situated along the lower margin, one smaller on the metakatepisternum below the metastigma and one larger and oblong covering the posterior half of the metepimeron and adjacent to the yellow poststernum (Figs 1 a, 19). Middorsal carina mostly yellow, contrasting with the metallic green mesepisternum. Wings. Membrane partly slightly tinted with brownish amber, especially in anterior parts and at wingtips. Pt medium-sized, black (Fig. 1 b). Abdomen. Colour pattern divided into two sections: S 1 – 6 black with a bright yellow pattern of paired spots, while S 7 – 10 mostly rusty brown (Fig. 1 a). The laterodorsal yellow spots on each side of S 2 are of similar size, the anterior one being rather angular and the posterior more rounded, while the broad lateroventral spot extends along the whole of the segment (Fig. 1 a). The laterodorsal yellow pattern on S 3 – 6 consists of anterior stripes on each segment, and posterior stripes on S 3 and S 4 only (Fig. 1 a). S 7 with a basal dorsolateral yellow half-ring covering about 30 % of the segment’s length (not crossing the supplementary transverse carina) and including a middorsal pale rusty smudge (Figs 1 a, c). Along the ventral carina: (a) on S 3 – 6, pale yellow stripe, broadened anteriorly on each segment; (b) on S 7, basal yellow spot, not merged with the yellow half-ring above it (Figs 1 a, d). Secondary genitalia. In lateral view, the hamule with a shallow but fairly wide rectangular apical incision between its anterior and posterior branch, the latter being only slightly broader and about the same length as the former (Fig. 15). In ventral view, the inner lobe of the anterior branch very broad and broadly rounded inwards; at the apex, the anterior branch shallowly divided from the posterior external branch, which is visible as a rounded flat surface with a thin dark margin (Fig. 16 a). Genital lobe relatively narrow, directed slightly obliquely posteriorly (Fig. 15), with ochre hair-like setae. Caudal appendages. Cerci white with dark brown base (brownish shade to 40 – 45 % of their length) and white hair-like setae (Figs 1 g, 17 – 18). In dorsal view, slightly arched inwards (banana-shaped), with a small bulge visible as a blunt angle near the base of their inner margin (Fig. 18). In lateral view, slightly arched up and not distended in their distal half, being almost equally thick throughout their length (Figs 1 g, 17); the small bulge may be visible at 1 / 3 of the length. Epiproct rusty cream, fairly long, reaching 80 % of the cerci length (Figs 1 g, 17). Variation in males. Total length 44.1 – 45.6, abdomen (excluding appendages) 31.0 – 32.0, Fw 31.3 – 32.5, Hw 30.3 – 31.7, Fw Pt 2.1 – 2.4, Fw Ax 10 – 12, Fw Px 7 – 8, Hw Ax 7 – 8, Hw Px 8 – 10. Each of the following slight variations was seen in one individual: (a) more extensive yellow centre of labrum; (b) large upper spot on synthorax narrowly divided into two spots, an anterior one on mesepimeron and a posterior one on metepisternum; (c) an additional but indistinct brownish yellow spot in the anterolateral corner of mesepisternum; (d) the posterior laterodorsal spot on S 2 extended ventrally; (e) a short yellow stripe in the posterior part of S 5, corresponding to the stripes on S 3 – 4; (f) distal two thirds of S 7 only partly rusty brown and partly black laterally and distally. Paratype females. Total length 42.0 – 46.4, abdomen (excluding appendages) 30.5 – 33.0, Fw 32.5 – 34.4, Hw 31.1, Fw Pt 2.2 – 2.4. Fw Ax 10 – 12, Fw Px 6 – 9, Hw Ax 7, Hw Px 9 – 10. Colouration similar to that of the males with the following differences: (a) an additional large yellowish spot in the anterolateral corner of mesepisternum; (b) the anterior laterodorsal spot on S 2 concave dorsally, and the posterior one enlarged ventrally (Fig. 1 b); (c) the yellow pattern on S 3 – 6 complete, i. e., with two paired stripes on each segment (Fig. 1 b); (d) wing membrane slightly tinted with amber at its base, but not in its anterior and distal parts. Gonapophyses represented by anterior processes at the end of S 8 (subgenital plate) and median processes at the base of S 9. The former, a pair of flat ribbon-like arms, are largely covered by corners of the S 8 tergites with only their common base discernible (Fig. 20 d), but may be visible when tergites are spread apart (Fig. 20 c), while the latter have the form of short vertical and triangular projections (Figs 20 c, d). Cerci short (0.9 – 1.0), creamy white (Fig. 1 b). Variation in females limited, mostly in their dimensions.	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF9BAA7171DD5393FAC3FBD7.taxon	distribution	Distribution and ecology. Most records are from (and around) the popular Isalo National Park in south central Madagascar, but one is from Kirindy Forest about 280 km northwest, suggesting the species is fairly widespread (Fig. 21). Indeed, currently it is the only Nesocordulia known from the drier west of the island, as both areas are situated in the ecoregion of Madagascar Succulent Woodlands (One Earth 2024) and the hydrographic ecoregion of Western Basins (Sparks & Stiassny 2022). All specimens were collected resting in trees far from water.	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF9DAA7C71DD5782FECAFB9F.taxon	description	Figs 2, 15 – 19, 20 e http: // zoobank. org / urn: lsid: zoobank. org: act: CAAAF 98 D-D 094 - 462 F-BB 0 E- 083 C 4 FFFDB 58	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF9DAA7C71DD5782FECAFB9F.taxon	etymology	Etymology. A declinable feminine Latin adjective meaning “ vanishing from sight ”, as males are almost impossible to follow for the observer’s eyes due to the combination of their behaviour, disruptive camouflage, and the dappled light in their microhabitat (see Behaviour section).	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF9DAA7C71DD5782FECAFB9F.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Holotype male (NHC-T-INS- 000011), and six paratypes, five males (NHC-T-INS- 000012, NHC-T-INS- 000013, NHC-T-INS- 000014, NHC-T-INS- 000015, NHC-T-INS- 000016) and a teneral female (NHC-T-INS- 000017), collected after emergence before maiden flight, all from the Simianona river, a bridge 1.9 km SSE of Antsiatsiaka, 16.3116 ° S, 48.8541 ° E, 853 m asl, Sofia Region, Madagascar, 7 and 12.12.2023, leg. R. Bernard, B. Daraż and Mamitiana Rakotohary. Additional material. 1 male, incomplete, S 7 – 10 missing (RMNH. INS. 1552539), the Manantenina river and adjacent rice fields, between Mandena village and the Marojejy National Park border, 14.4690 ° S, 49.8058 ° E, 107 m asl, Sava Region, 15.02.2018, leg. K. - D. B. Dijkstra.	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF9DAA7C71DD5782FECAFB9F.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. The smallest Nesocordulia species, separated from its probable closest relatives (N. coloratissima and N. malgassica) by the black rather than rufous S 7 – 10 and its slightly, but distinctively distended cerci with black hair-like setae. Differs from other black-tailed species by the shape of the cerci and hamule, as well as the thoracic markings with two triangular and three roundish yellow spots on each side.	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF9DAA7C71DD5782FECAFB9F.taxon	description	Description. Holotype male. Total length 44.3, abdomen (excluding appendages) 30.8, Fw 29.5, Hw 28.5, Fw Pt 1.8; cerci 2.0. Fw Ax 11, Fw Px 7, Hw Ax 6, Hw Px 8 – 9. Colouration generally dark, black and metallic green with yellow pattern (Fig. 2 a). Head. Face dark metallic with a yellow centre (Fig. 2 g). Vertex and frons metallic, with green and blue reflections (Figs 2 c, g). Frons sides brownish turning into metallic green with golden and copper reflections. Clypeus largely yellow, with metallic green sides. Labrum black, with two small yellow spots at the base (Fig. 2 g). Labium yellow, median lobe paler with a small central darkish spot. Occipital triangle black. Postgenae black. Eyes in life purplish brown anterodorsally, and blue posteroventrally, with a bright green line in between (Fig. 2 a). Thorax. Synthorax mostly metallic (largely green and locally blue and copper), with darker lower parts (purplish-dark brown to blackish), and with five yellow spots on sides (Figs 2 a, 19). Two upper spots fairly large, elongated, irregularly triangular, with opposite tips: the mesepimeral pointing dorsally, and the uppermost metepisternal pointing ventrally. Along the lower margin, three small spots, the first on the metakatepisternum below the metastigma and two next on metepimeron, the last spot adjacent to mostly yellow poststernum (with brownish tip). Middorsal carina yellow, contrasting with the metallic green reflections on mesepisternum (Fig. 2 c). Wings. Membrane basally hyaline, without any tint. Pt medium-sized, black. Abdomen. Black, with paired yellow pattern (Fig. 2 f). The laterodorsal yellow spots on each side of S 2 are of similar size: the anterior spot broad, with tapered tip directed dorsally, and the posterior one oval (Figs 2 a, f). The lateroventral yellow spot stretched along most of the S 2 length; narrow anteriorly, broad posteriorly, with a short dorsal branch pointing an auricle (Figs 2 a, d). The laterodorsal yellow pattern on S 3 – 6 incomplete, it consists of anterior stripes on S 3 – 5, and posterior stripes on S 3 and S 4 (vestigial) (Fig. 2 a). S 7 with a basal dorsolateral yellow half-ring covering one quarter of the segment’s length and reaching the supplementary transverse carina; dorsally, the ring is complete, with a small apical notch flanked by two tiny distal projections (Figs 2 a, f). Along the ventral carina: (a) on S 3 – 6, a pale yellow line, broadened anteriorly on S 3 only; (b) on S 7, a small brownish yellow spot basally and a yellow to brownish stripe; (c) on S 8, a large brownish spot (thinner distally), visible in lateral view (Fig. 2 e). Secondary genitalia. Hamule in lateral view, with a fairly shallow and rather narrow triangular apical incision between anterior and posterior branches, the former short and tapered and the latter slightly longer, broader and rounded apically (Fig. 15). In ventral view, the inner lobe of the anterior branch broad and slightly tapered inwards; at the apex, the anterior branch shallowly divided from the posterior external branch, which is slightly twisted inwards and visible as pale roundish surface with a broad black margin (Fig. 16 b). Genital lobe relatively narrow, directed obliquely posteriorly, with yellow hair-like setae. Caudal appendages. Cerci fairly short, creamy white, black basally (brownish shade to 40 % of the length), with black hair-like setae (Figs 2 a, h). In dorsal view, gently arched inwards, with a longer (60 %) and slightly distended outward arm (Fig. 18). In lateral view, slightly bent down at one third of their length, further distally slightly distended thus looking hanging down (Figs 2 h, 17); the small bulge hardly discernible at one quarter of the length. Epiproct creamy white with a darkish base and blackish apex; fairly long, reaching 70 % of the cerci length (Figs 2 h, 17). Variation in males. Total length 43.2 – 44.6, abdomen (excluding appendages) 29.1 – 31.0, Fw 29.5 – 30.8, Hw 28.5 – 29.9, Fw Pt 1.8 – 2.0, cerci 2.0 – 2.2, Fw Ax 10 – 11, Fw Px 7 – 8, Hw Ax 6 – 7, Hw Px 7 – 9. Differences in colouration limited only to: (a) larger or smaller width of two upper synthoracic spots; (b) laterodorsal yellow pattern on S 3 – 6 more or less developed in individuals from the same local population: the anterior stripes more frequently on S 3 – 6 (Fig. 2 f), but also on S 3 – 5 (with that on S 5 even vestigial, Fig. 2 a), and posterior stripes usually on S 3 only, but also on S 3 – 4; (c) the lateroventral spot on S 2 without a dorsal branch in one male; (d) the background colour of S 7 – 10 brownish black in one male; (e) various size of two small distal projections of the yellow half-ring on S 7, from lacking to quite well developed with disintegrating brownish tips; (f) the brownish shade on cerci reaching their half-length and even three quarters of their length (each version in one specimen). Paratype female. Teneral, preserved in poor condition. Total length 41.6, abdomen (excluding appendages) 29.6, Fw 31.7, Hw 30.9, Fw Pt 2.0. Fw Ax 13, Fw Px 8, Hw Ax 7, Hw Px 9 – 10. Although the colouration in this female is not fully developed, it is generally similar to that of the males with the following minor differences (Fig. 2 b): (a) two upper thoracic spots, mesepimeral and metepisternal, wider (as in the male from Marojejy); (b) two metepimeral yellow spots partly merged into large one; (c) the laterodorsal pattern on S 3 – 6 more complete, with anterior stripes on all segments (S 3 – 6), and posterior stripes on S 3 – 5 (on S 5 vestigial); (d) pattern along the ventral carina: on whole S 7, a broad yellow stripe broadened anteriorly, and on S 8, a yellow spot, large and rounded in its anterior half, and narrowed in its posterior half. Gonapophyses (Fig. 20 e): (a) anterior processes at the end of S 8 (subgenital plate) in the form of two short and broad, rounded projections, laterally situated and partly covered by tergites; and (b) median processes on S 9 as vertical, narrow, rather long and tapered warts. Cerci tiny (0.7), white with darkish shade dorsally along the basal half.	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF9DAA7C71DD5782FECAFB9F.taxon	distribution	Distribution and ecology. Known from two localities situated 229 km apart in northeastern Madagascar (Fig. 21), the type locality being in the ecoregion of Madagascar Subhumid Forests and the second site in the ecoregion of Madagascar Humid Forests (One Earth 2024). Both sites are in the hydrographic ecoregion of Eastern Highlands (Sparks & Stiassny 2022) at the foot of mountainous protected areas, the type locality lying just below Marotandrano Special Reserve and the second site below Marojejy National Park. The Simianona river originates in extensive foothill marshland and flows through a mosaic of forest, thickets and wetlands with a relatively low degree of human impact. The Manantenina river flows down from the Marojejy range, but the collection locality is in a cultivated landscape two kilometres from closed forest. The Simianona river (Fig. 3) is mostly 7 – 10 (up to 15) m broad and relatively deep with water clear, but appearing dark brown due to its marshy origin. The flow rate is very low, slightly increasing only where the course narrows and at some small cascades. The banks are mostly overgrown by low trees with their branches and even trunks overhanging the water. Consequently, the river surface is a mosaic of complete shade, half-shade, dispersed light, and sunny clearings, while the shore zone is mostly shaded (Fig. 3). At a few open sections, dense floating mats of ferns and sedges (Cyperaceae) extend over the water surface, with patches of Nymphaea caerulea waterlilies along them. The calm river changes its character on short sections with multi-stage cascades and rapids, where habitat conditions become more diverse.	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF9DAA7C71DD5782FECAFB9F.taxon	biology_ecology	Behaviour. Males were observed (and filmed) at the Simianona river almost only during sunny moments (with one exception), typically remaining for no more than 3 – 5 minutes. They only flew over shaded and half-shaded sections, never entering larger sunny clearings. Together with their colouration and rapid, erratic flight, this provided disruptive camouflage and made following them for more than a few seconds almost impossible. The areas patrolled covered only 3 – 10 m 2, the smallest being in deep shade above foaming water below a cascade, while the largest was occupied during the only observation in overcast weather. Territories were mostly close to the shore (0.2 – 1.5 m) or along overhanging trees further out; only occasionally males flew even further above open water. The males’ flight was highly erratic with rapid sharp turns after every 0.5 – 1.5 m section covered. Any moments of hovering were brief with the male facing the open river with its abdomen slightly raised. Males mostly flew only 20 – 30 cm above the water, ranging between 10 and 40 cm. Males of Hemicordulia similis (Rambur, 1842) patrolled nearby but favoured more brightly lit sections, including completely sunny ones, and their flight was more predictable, going back and forth at a height of 30 – 50 cm without sudden turns; they hovered less often but did so for longer periods. A mid-air clash between males of N. evanida and H. similis ended with the latter being chased from the territory of the former.	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF91AA7E71DD53DBFD19FE8A.taxon	description	Figs 4, 15 – 19 http: // zoobank. org / urn: lsid: zoobank. org: act: C 2 B 3 AC 67 - AEB 0 - 482 B-AD 98 - 99339259908 B	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF91AA7E71DD53DBFD19FE8A.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The name, a noun in apposition, refers to Madagascar’s largest carnivore, the similarly rufous, longbodied and enigmatic Fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox Bennett, 1835).	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF91AA7E71DD53DBFD19FE8A.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Holotype male (RMNH. INS. 1552538), Tsakoka trail, 18.7943 ° S, 48.4267 ° E, 950 m asl (coordinates approximate), Mantadia National Park, Alaotra-Mangoro Region, Madagascar, 17.01.2016, leg. K. - D. B. Dijkstra and A. Ravelomanana.	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF91AA7E71DD53DBFD19FE8A.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Comparatively large species, easily separated from all congeners except N. rubricauda by the reddish brown body, dark brown wing bases, and denser venation, especially between the cubital and anal veins. Aside from unique features, such as the shape of the cerci and hamule (see Figs 15 – 16 and 17 – 18, respectively), yellow markings on the largely reddish brown thorax, and black apical smudges laterally on the reddish brown S 3 – 6, differs from N. rubricauda by the yellow marking on the clypeus and the single cell rows subtended by Rspl.	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF91AA7E71DD53DBFD19FE8A.taxon	description	Description. Holotype male. Total length 56.6, abdomen (excluding appendages) 39.4, Fw 41.7, Hw 40.6, Fw Pt 2.4, cerci 2.7. Fw Ax 15 – 16, Fw Px 12, Hw Ax 9, Hw Px 14. Colouration generally reddish brown, with metallic green, yellow and black markings (Fig. 4 a). Head. Face dark in various shades of brown with a yellow triangular centre (Fig. 4 e). Postfrons and frons sides olive brown with metallic sheen locally. Frontal shield of antefrons blackish brown with trace of metallic blue; the lower edge of antefrons olive brown with a minute yellow spot in the middle. Anteclypeus and central postclypeus yellow, sides of postclypeus olive brown. Labrum dark reddish brown with a paler amber brown centre (Fig. 4 e). Labium pinkish brown with yellowish admixture at the base (Fig. 4 b). Occipital triangle reddish- to dark brown. Postgenae yellowish to reddish brown (Fig. 4 b). Eyes in live purplish brown anterodorsally and light blue posteroventrally (Fig. 4 a). Thorax. Synthorax reddish brown with three evenly distributed metallic stripes (green with blue reflections) on mesepisternum, mesepimeron and metepisternum, and with adjacent two yellow spots (Figs 4 a, b, 19). The mesepimeral yellow spot shorter and together with irregular purplish brown patch situated on the lower extension of the metallic stripe while the metepimeral yellow spot long and extending behind the metallic stripe. Legs dark brown to black with basal parts (coxae, trochanters and parts of femora, the longest on forelegs) ochre to reddish brown (Figs 4 a, b). Wings. Dark brown bases, larger in Fw, reaching farthest in costal and subcostal space (crossing Ax 2 in Fw and Ax 1 in Hw) and closest in cubital space (Figs 4 a, b). Wing membrane also slightly tinted with brownish locally, especially in its anterior and distal parts (Fig. 4 f). Pt medium-sized, black, but magnified, with a paler dark brown border along veins. Venation in Hw: (a) row between the cubital and anal veins with 5 – 8 cells doubled; (b) row between R 4 and the median vein with 8 – 9 cells doubled (even tripled distally) (Fig. 4 f). Rspl subtending single row of cells. Membranula whitish. Abdomen. Reddish brown, most intensively on S 8 – 9, with black rings of posterior field of tergites (beginning from S 2). S 3 – 6 each with a posterolateral triangular black smudge bordering the posterior black rings (Figs 4 a, d). No yellow pattern, only ochre yellow brush on S 3 – 7 anterolaterally. Secondary genitalia. Branches of the hamule separated by a deep and wide gap, with the posterior branch pressed against the genital lobe and the anterior branch tapered distally into a triangular and unbent tip (Figs 4 b, 15). In ventral view, the inner lobe of the anterior branch bluntly triangular and elongated along the main axis of the body (Fig. 16 f). Genital lobe relatively long, bluntly triangular, directed downwards and slightly posteriorly, pinkish brown with rusty ochre hair-like setae (Figs 4 b, 15). Caudal appendages. Cerci medium-length, reddish brown (as the abdomen), basally darker. In dorsal view, with arched base and out-curved tapered tips, thus appearing sinusoidal or lyre-shaped (Figs 4 c, 18). In lateral view, gently arched up (with the bent near half of their length), not distended in their distal half, and with an undercut tip (Fig. 17). Epiproct reddish brown and long, reaching 90 % of the cerci length (Figs 4 c, 17). Female. Unknown.	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF91AA7E71DD53DBFD19FE8A.taxon	distribution	Distribution and ecology. Known only from the type locality in central-eastern Madagascar (Fig. 21), in the ecoregion of Madagascar Humid Forests (One Earth 2024) and the hydrographic ecoregion of Eastern Highlands (Sparks & Stiassny 2022). The male was flying in the middle of the day, but in deep shade, cruising very low over a stream under thick tangles and a closed canopy.	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF93AA7971DD53DBFB59FC63.taxon	description	Figs 5, 15 – 19, 20 a, b http: // zoobank. org / urn: lsid: zoobank. org: act: 9627 EDCE-FC 92 - 48 EC- 8839 - E 629984 BDC 35	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF93AA7971DD53DBFB59FC63.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The name, a noun in apposition, refers to the CEPF project Insects and People in the Southern Indian Ocean (IPSIO), initiated by Brian Fisher at the Madagascar Biodiversity Center. K. - D. B. Dijkstra participated in the IPSIO expedition to Marojejy National Park, but all specimens were collected by Alan Gardiner while he was seeking for butterflies.	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF93AA7971DD53DBFB59FC63.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Holotype male (RMNH. INS. 1552536) and four paratypes: male (RMNH. INS. 1552534) and three females (RMNH. INS. 1679788, 1679790, 1679791). All from the ridge below Simpona Camp (“ camp 3 ”), 14.4377 ° S, 49.7544 ° E, 1,150 m asl, Marojejy National Park, Sava Region, Madagascar, 09 – 13.02.2018, leg Alan Gardiner. Photographic records. Female (identified by us from the photograph), vicinity of Mantella camp, 14.4376 ° S, 49.7756 ° E (approximate location), 480 m asl, Marojejy National Park, Sava Region, 01.2012, photo by user name “ globalherping ” (https: // www. inaturalist. org / observations / 224246873).	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF93AA7971DD53DBFB59FC63.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Medium-sized Nesocordulia species with a uniquely shaped hamule (see Fig. 15) and the most extensive and contrasting dark markings on the labium and cerci in the genus. Only the presumably closely related N. odonator is similarly dark, sharing the limited thoracic pattern of small yellow spots, divided yellow lateroventral marking on S 2, the laterally long but dorsally interrupted yellowish basal ring on S 7, and dark epiproct. Nesocordulia ipsio differs from it, however, by a different hamule (see Figs 15 and 16) and mostly blackish brown lateral lobes of labium, and is also significantly smaller.	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF93AA7971DD53DBFB59FC63.taxon	description	Description. Holotype male. Total length 46.9, abdomen (excluding appendages) 32.2, Fw 34.9, Hw 33.5, Fw Pt 1.9, cerci 2.2. Fw Ax 11 – 12, Fw Px 8 – 9, Hw Ax 7, Hw Px 11. Colouration generally dark, mostly black and locally brown, and with metallic reflections and yellow pattern (Fig. 5 a). Head. Face dark, with rich metallic reflections and a yellow centre (Fig. 5 f). Vertex metallic, blue and violet. Frons metallic, with dark bronze frontal shield and green, blue, violet and copper reflections (Figs 5 a, f). Clypeus yellow to olive-yellow centrally, and metallic green (with golden and purplish reflections) laterally (Fig. 5 f). Labrum glossy black, locally with metallic violet reflections (Fig. 5 f). Labium with median lobe brown and lateral lobes largely blackish brown and only narrowly yellow and buff on outer borders, like crescents (Fig. 5 g). Occipital triangle black. Postgenae black. Thorax. Synthorax mostly richly metallic (green, blue, violet, purple, bronze and copper), interspersed with brown, and with small yellow markings (Figs 5 a, 19). Mesepisternum metallic (green and blue) in the upper half and brown in the lower half. Mesokatepisternum brown. On the synthoracic sides, four yellow spots in two lines (Figs 5 a, 19). In the upper line, the mesepimeral spot, small and triangular, situated opposite the metastigma, and the metepisternal spot, a larger inverted triangle, darker yellow and slightly blurred. In the lower line, two small spots along the lower margin of the synthorax, on the metakatepisternum below the metastigma and on the metepimeron, the latter much less than half as long as the posterior border of metepimeron and not reaching poststernum. Poststernum dark brown. Wings. Membrane tinted with yellow at base. Pt short, brown. Abdomen. Black with paired yellow pattern (Fig. 5 a). The laterodorsal yellow spots on each side of S 2 are of different size: the anterior broad and short, with tapered tip directed dorsally, and the posterior small and oval. Lateroventral yellow marking on each side of S 2 divided into two small well-separated spots: the anterior spot additionally split in two uneven parts while the posterior one broad and rectangular (Figs 5 a, 16 e). The laterodorsal yellow pattern on S 3 – 6 consists of anterior stripes on each segment (the shortest and partly disintegrated on S 6) and posterior stripes on S 3 only (Fig. 5 a). S 7 with a basal dorsolateral creamy white ring covering one fifth of the segment’s length and not reaching the supplementary transverse carina, but far-extended laterally; dorsally, the ring is divided by a narrow black line along the dorsal carina (Figs 5 a, d). Along the ventral carina (Fig. 5 c): (a) on S 3 – 6, a thin yellow line, broadened anteriorly on S 3 only; (b) on S 7, a rather broad yellow stripe turning brown distally; (c) on S 8, a small basal yellow marking broadened distally and laterally into a large rounded brown spot; (d) on S 9, a brown basal spot; the brown spots visible in lateral view of S 8 – 9. Secondary genitalia. In lateral view, the hamule large, with both branches ear-like, broad and rounded, but the posterior branch much shorter and two-coloured, dark with pale margin (Figs 5 a, 15). In ventral view, the inner lobe of the anterior branch of the hamule ear-shaped and broadly rounded inwards, with pale tip of the posterior external branch visible below (Fig. 16 e). Genital lobe black, directed straight downwards and almost as the hamule long (Figs 5 a, 15), with rusty and buffy hair-like setae. Caudal appendages. Cerci fairly short, their basal two-thirds dark (black and dark brown), with brownish shade reaching up to 80 % of the length and white tips covered with contrasting dark hair-like setae (Figs 5 d, h). In dorsal view, gently arched inwards, with a longer (60 %) inward arm and a shorter outward arm bluntly tapered apically (Figs 5 d, 18). In lateral view, arched up and slightly distended in their distal half, with tapering tips and cut apices (Figs 5 h, 17). Epiproct blackish to dark brown and fairly long, reaching 80 % of the cerci length (Figs 5 h, 17). Variation in males. The paratype male is slightly larger and even darker. Total length 47.4, abdomen (excluding appendages) 32.8, Fw 35.3, Hw 34.0, Fw Pt 1.9, cerci 2.1. Fw Ax 11, Fw Px 8, Hw Ax 8, Hw Px 10 – 11. Minute differences in the colour pattern versus the holotype: (a) the anterior laterodorsal stripes on S 5 and S 6 vestigial; (b) yellow and brown pattern along the ventral carina of S 3 – 9 partly darkened and disintegrated. Epiproct slightly longer, reaching 85 % of the cerci length. Paratype females. Total length 46.1 – 48.2, abdomen (excluding appendages) 32.5 – 33.7, Fw 37.1 – 38.3, Hw 36.9 – 37.5, Fw Pt 1.9 – 2.0. Fw Ax 12 – 13, Fw Px 8 – 10, Hw Ax 7 – 8, Hw Px 10 – 12. Colour pattern very similar to that of males, with the following minor differences: (a) the anterior lateroventral spot on S 2 irregular and not split (Fig. 5 b); (b) the posterior laterodorsal stripe on S 4 vestigial (Fig. 5 b); (c) the basal ring on S 7 reduced to two laterodorsal yellow spots broadly separated dorsally (Figs 5 b, e); (d) in two females, the darkened yellow pattern along the ventral carina, especially in posterior parts of S 3 – 6. Variation mostly in dimensions and numbers of cross-veins. Anterior processes of gonapophyses on S 8 (subgenital plate) take the form of two large triangular arms, dark with yellow edges (Figs 20 a, b); their sharp yellow tips touch each other or overlap, and are visible in lateral view as spines protruding below the ventral corners of S 8 tergites. Median processes on S 9 are shaped like relatively long ‘ viking’ horns (Figs 20 a, b). Cerci short (1.0), in dorsal view dark basally (one third to half the length) and yellowish white distally (Fig. 5 e).	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF93AA7971DD53DBFB59FC63.taxon	distribution	Distribution and ecology. Known only from Marojejy National Park in northeastern Madagascar (Fig. 21), in the ecoregion of Madagascar Humid Forests (One Earth 2024) and the hydrographic ecoregion of Eastern Highlands (Sparks & Stiassny 2022). All individuals collected over path along the top of a mountain ridge with low cloud forest at 1,150 m asl, and one female photographed at much lower elevation at 480 m asl.	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF95AA7B71DD5756FD1CFB9F.taxon	description	Figs 6, 15 – 19 http: // zoobank. org / urn: lsid: zoobank. org: act: 725 EA 847 - 38 B 0 - 474 E-A 984 - E 2 D 11 FB 4228 B	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF95AA7B71DD5756FD1CFB9F.taxon	etymology	Etymology. A feminine noun derived from Latin “ cauda ”, a tail, and “ lyra ”, an U-shaped instrument with two curvy branches, to describe the distinctive lyre-shaped cerci in dorsal view.	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF95AA7B71DD5756FD1CFB9F.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Holotype male and one paratype male (MNHN). Both are labelled “ Madagascar ” without further details and are part of René Martin’s collection. The species is known only from these two males identified previously as N. flavicauda, the holotype by René Martin (as indicated by his handwriting on the label), but the paratype by an unknown person. Martin’s misidentified specimen was thus incorrectly described briefly as N. flavicauda in the catalogue of corduliids (Martin 1907): the caudal appendages illustrated there actually belong to N. lyricauda sp. nov.	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF95AA7B71DD5756FD1CFB9F.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. The largest Nesocordulia species, separated by its unique long lyre-shaped cerci, large and uniquely shaped hamule (see Fig. 15), and the basal yellow spots uniquely extending both dorsally and laterally on S 7. Also has more Px in Fw (11 – 13 vs. 7 – 10) and Hw (13 – 14 vs. 7 – 11) than other black species.	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF95AA7B71DD5756FD1CFB9F.taxon	description	Description. Both males, while over a hundred years old, are preserved in a moderate condition, with well-defined markings, although especially the pale colours appear faded. The terms describing these refer to the current state, although they were possibly more intensely yellow (or white) in life. Holotype male. Total length 57.7, abdomen (excluding appendages) 39.6, Fw 41.2, Hw 39.7, Fw Pt 1.9, cerci 3.1. Fw Ax 13 – 14, Fw Px 11 – 12, Hw Ax 8, Hw Px 13 – 14. Colouration generally dark, black and metallic, with yellow pattern. Head. Face dark, largely metallic, with a yellow slightly trapezoidal centre (Fig. 6 c). Vertex metallic blue with violet reflections. Frons metallic, with blue, green, violet and copper reflections, and narrowly bronze along the lower edge of antefrons (Figs 6 a, c). Clypeus largely yellow with metallic (green and copper) sides (Fig. 6 c). Labrum glossy black and dark bronze, with a central brownish yellow notch at its base (Fig. 6 c). Labium pale yellow with amber tint (Fig. 6 c). Occipital triangle black. Postgenae black. Thorax. Synthorax largely melanized, black, dark brown and metallic (with green, blue, violet, copper and bronze reflections), with large yellow markings (Fig. 6 b). Mesepisternum largely metallic: green and blue with violet reflections, in a lower third turning into brown and metallic bronze and copper. Mesokatepisternum pale brownish yellow. Three pale yellow markings on synthoracic sides (Figs 6 b, 19): the single upper stripe on the mesepimeron and metepisternum, long, narrow and kinked, and two lower spots, a small one on the metakatepisternum below the metastigma and a long and wide one covering the posterior half of the metepimeron and adjacent to the yellow poststernum. Wings. Pt very short, brown (Fig. 6 a). Membranula half-whitish anteriorly and half-buff. Abdomen. Black with paired faded yellow pattern. The laterodorsal spots on each side of S 2 are of different shape and size: the anterior spot broad, with tapered tip pointing dorsally, and the posterior one small, directed obliquely ventrally (Fig. 6 d). The broad yellow lateroventral spot stretched along the whole S 2 and penetrating the genital lobe, with a dorsal black ‘ bay’ below an auricle (Fig. 6 b). The laterodorsal yellow pattern on S 3 – 6 consists of anterior stripes on all segments and posterior stripes on S 3 only (Fig. 6 d). S 7 with a basal large yellow spot, extended laterally where merging with yellowish markings on the ventral carina and also extended dorsally, crossing the blackish supplementary transverse carina and covering one third of the segment’s length (Figs 6 d, f). The pale yellow pattern along the ventral carina: (a) on S 3 – 6, a line, broadened anteriorly on each segment; (b) on S 7, a broad yellow stripe in the anterior half, basally merged with the dorsolateral ring; (c) on S 8, an anterior spot. Secondary genitalia. In lateral view, the hamule large, with: (a) the dark anterior branch resembling a standing bird (auk), with the anterior margin wavy, and (b) the adjacent posterior branch, broad and almost the same length as the anterior one (Figs 6 b, 15). In ventral view, a deep and narrow indentation is visible between the branches, with the inner lobe of the anterior branch broad, and the posterior external branch rounded with a pale margin (Fig. 16 c). Genital lobe relatively broad and reaching the hamule tip, and directed downwards; partly yellow with a black apex and posterior margin (Figs 6 b, 15), and with yellowish and rusty hair-like setae. Caudal appendages. Cerci long and narrow, slightly tapering distally, creamy white to amber, basally brown (brownish shade up to a quarter of the length). In dorsal view, sinusoidal, with arched base and out-curved tips, thus recalling a Roman lyre (Figs 6 g, 18). In lateral view, horn-like, not distended and arched twice, at first up and then down, thus shallowly sinusoidal (Figs 6 d, 17). Epiproct rusty yellowish, medium-length, reaching two thirds of the cerci length (Figs 6 d, g, 17). Variation in males. The paratype is larger, total length 60.5, abdomen (excluding appendages) 41.9, Fw 42.3, Hw 41.1, Fw Pt 2.0, cerci 3.2. Fw Ax 14 – 15, Fw Px 12 – 13, Hw Ax 8 – 9, Hw Px 13. Its colour pattern only slightly different due to: (a) paler, brown dorsal background of S 1 and anterior parts of S 2 and S 3; (b) posterior laterodorsal stripes present also on S 4 (as a small spot on each side); (c) cerci mostly with amber tint. Secondary genitalia extracted from the body, dissected and glued to a pad (Fig. 6 e).	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF95AA7B71DD5756FD1CFB9F.taxon	biology_ecology	Female, distribution and ecology unknown.	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF97AA6571DD57CAFF33FBD7.taxon	description	Figs 7, 15 – 19 http: // zoobank. org / urn: lsid: zoobank. org: act: 38 D 61 DF 9 - F 45 D- 4327 - B 6 C 1 - 79955 AA 5 C 3 FD	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF97AA6571DD57CAFF33FBD7.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The name, a noun in apposition, like those for Syncordulia legator Dijkstra et al., 2007, Syncordulia serendipator Dijkstra et al., 2007, and Syncordulia venator (Barnard, 1933), honours the explorers of Odonata. This species and N. fossa were found on the same day of Odonatours’ inaugural trip, whose participants sponsored the first introduction to Malagasy Odonata (Dijkstra & Cohen 2021).	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF97AA6571DD57CAFF33FBD7.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Holotype male (RMNH. INS. 1552537), Rianasoa trail, 18.832 ° S, 48.435 ° E, 980 m asl (coordinates and altitude approximate), Mantadia National Park, Alaotra-Mangoro Region, Madagascar, 17.01.2016, leg. K. - D. B. Dijkstra and A. Ravelomanana.	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF97AA6571DD57CAFF33FBD7.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Fairly large Nesocordulia species with unique hamule, in lateral view recalling a crab’s pincer (chelate appendage) with an almost spike-like dactyl, and unique labium with brown median lobe and mostly yellow lateral lobes. Only N. ipsio is similarly dark, sharing the limited thoracic yellow pattern of small spots, divided yellow lateroventral marking on S 2, laterally long but discontinuous yellow ring on S 7, and dark epiproct. N. ipsio has an even darker labium and cerci, however, and is also significantly smaller.	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF97AA6571DD57CAFF33FBD7.taxon	description	Description. Holotype male. Total length 54.5, abdomen (excluding appendages) 38.4, Fw 38.1, Hw 37.0, Fw Pt 1.9, cerci 2.3. Fw Ax 13 – 14, Fw Px 9 – 10, Hw Ax 8, Hw Px 10 – 11. Colouration generally dark, mostly black and metallic green, with yellow pattern (Fig. 7 a). Head. Face dark, richly metallic with an olive yellow rectangular centre (Fig. 7 e). Vertex metallic with violet and blue reflections. Frons metallic: blue and violet (postfrons), dark bronze (frontal shield of antefrons), and green and copper (frons sides) (Fig. 7 e). Clypeus largely olive-yellow, with metallic green sides with golden and copper reflections. Labrum glossy black (Fig. 7 e). Labium yellow with brown base (median lobe) and lateral lobes only narrowly dark along their inner borders (Fig. 7 b). Occipital triangle black. Postgenae black. Eyes in life purple brown anterodorsally and blue posteroventrally (Fig. 7 a). Thorax. Synthorax mostly metallic (green, blue and purplish-dark brown), with some non-metallic brown areas anteriorly and small yellow spots (Figs 7 a, b). Mesepisternum with metallic green and blue reflections in the upper half and non-metallic brown in the lower half. Mesokatepisternum yellowish brown. Synthoracic sides with four yellow spots in two lines (Figs 7 a, b, 19). In the upper line, a triangular mesepimeral spot opposite to the metastigma, and the uppermost rectangular metepisternal spot. In the lower line, two small spots along the lower margin of the synthorax, on the metakatepisternum below the metastigma and on the metepimeron. The metepimeral spot much less than half as long as the posterior border of metepimeron and not reaching poststernum. Poststernum dark brown (Fig. 7 b). Wings. Membrane tinted with yellow basally (Fig. 7 b). Pt short, brown (Fig. 7 c). Membranula dark brown. Abdomen. Black with paired yellow pattern (Fig. 7 a). The laterodorsal yellow spots on each side of S 2 are of different size: the anterior spot broad, with tapered tip pointing dorsally, and the posterior one small and angular (Fig. 7 a). The lateroventral yellow marking on each side of S 2 divided into two small well-separated spots (Figs 7 b, 16 d). The laterodorsal yellow pattern on S 3 – 6 consists of anterior stripes on each segment and posterior stripes on S 3 and S 4 only (the last one vestigial) (Fig. 7 a). S 7 with a basal dorsolateral yellow ring covering one fifth of the segment’s length and not reaching the supplementary transverse carina; the ring is extended far laterally and slightly broadened dorsally (Fig. 7 a), where it is divided by a broad black line along the dorsal carina (Fig. 7 f). The yellow line along the ventral carina (Fig. 7 d): (a) on S 3 – 6, continuous and not broadened anteriorly on each segment; (b) on S 7, partly broadened into a yellow stripe turning into brown distally; (c) on S 8, present in its anterior half and broadened into a brownish yellow spot also visible in lateral view. Secondary genitalia. In lateral view, the hamule large with two finger-like branches, deeply and narrowly separated and distinctly narrowed and pointed; the posterior branch is much shorter and thinner (Figs 7 b, 15). In ventral view, the anterior branch L-shaped with a relatively short and narrow inner lobe (Fig. 16 d). Genital lobe black, basally yellow, with black hair-like setae. In lateral view, it is directed downwards and relatively broad and short (Figs 7 b, 15), while in ventral view more elongated, with a narrow, finger-like tip (Fig. 16 d); this apical part is bent parallel to the body towards the opposite genital lobe and therefore is not visible in the foreshortened lateral view. Caudal appendages. Cerci fairly short, yellowish, basally black up to 40 % of the length, with mostly pale hair-like setae not contrasting with the background (Fig. 7 g). In dorsal view, almost straight on the two thirds of the length and further bent outwards and slightly tapering distally (Fig. 18). In lateral view, with lower margin shallowly arched up, and then gently bent at 60 % of the length and further straight, appearing thus in their distal half at first slightly distended and then tapering (Figs 7 g, 17). Epiproct dark brown and long, reaching 85 % of the cerci length (Figs 7 g, 17). Female. Unknown.	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF97AA6571DD57CAFF33FBD7.taxon	distribution	Distribution and ecology. Known only from the type locality in central-eastern Madagascar (Fig. 21), in the ecoregion of Madagascar Humid Forests (One Earth 2024) and the hydrographic ecoregion of Eastern Highlands (Sparks & Stiassny 2022). The only known specimen was flying over a fairly large and rocky but very shady forest stream.	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF89AA6071DD565AFDA9FECF.taxon	description	Figs 8, 15, 17 – 19	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF89AA6071DD565AFDA9FECF.taxon	etymology	Etymology. A feminine noun derived from Latin “ flavus ”, yellow, and “ cauda ”, a tail, undoubtedly, to emphasise the extent of yellow on S 7 – 10. Unaware of its unique appearance, Dijkstra & Cohen (2021) called this species the “ Yellow-tailed Knifetail ”, a translation of the scientific name.	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF89AA6071DD565AFDA9FECF.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Holotype male (NHMUK 011253668), just labelled “ Madagascar ”, but obviously collected no later than 1882. Additional material. Female (MNHN), also just labelled “ Madagascar ”, but from René Martin’s collection and thus collected before 1921; described by Fraser (1956). Note: In the catalogue of corduliids (Martin 1907), N. flavicauda is presented erroneously, as Martin must not have seen McLachlan’s holotype and thus misidentified a male in his own collection. The male described and illustrated (caudal appendages) by Martin (1907) is described above as the holotype of N. lyricauda sp. nov. The female described briefly by Martin (1907) as N. flavicauda is probably not this species either. Fraser (1956) found two females in Martin’s collection labelled as N. flavicauda: only one of them was originally identified correctly, but the second was identified and described by him as N. mascarenica. We seriously doubt this identification as well, however, see the section on unidentified specimens below. The brief description of a female by Martin (1907) does not allow us to determine precisely which female he described as N. flavicauda, although the provided measurements suggest Fraser’s ‘ mascarenica ’ rather than true N. flavicauda. Therefore, only Fraser’s (1956) work can be accepted as the first description of the female N. flavicauda. Uncertain data. 2 males and 1 female (National Museum of Nature and Science, Tokyo, Japan, most probably from the Erich Schmidt’s collection): 1 male and 1 female, Sambirano (without closer data), Diana Region, NW Madagascar, 10.1933 – 01.1934; 1 male, Madagascar (perhaps the same locality?), 02.1934 (Kiyoshi 2024). Note: This material was unavailable for study and may well be misidentified.	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF89AA6071DD565AFDA9FECF.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Fairly small Nesocordulia species, which is the most distinctive in the genus due to the spined cerci and numerous colouration details such as the entirely dark postclypeus, brown and yellow postgenae, two yellow spots on synthoracic sides, yellow central spot on ventrolateral surface of fore femora, evenly narrow and arched anterior dorsal yellow spot on S 2, and very large yellow spots on S 7 – 9. Dorsal process (keel) on S 10 is shortly pointed and almost horizontal unlike in most other Nesocordulia species (except N. mascarenica), in which it is more knife-shaped and vertically or at least obliquely protruding.	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF89AA6071DD565AFDA9FECF.taxon	description	Description. Holotype male. Preserved in poor condition, in several damaged fragments (Figs 8 a, d), but most features still sufficiently recognisable. Additionally, the original description from 143 years ago (McLachlan 1882) has been confronted to make sure of the original colours and other features. Total and abdomen lengths unmeasurable in the present state, McLachlan (1882) gave 35 mm for the abdomen length (caudal appendages included?). Fw length 33.7, Hw 32.7 (34 according to McLachlan, 1882), Fw Pt 1.8, cerci 2.8 (3 ¾ according to McLachlan, on error). Fw Ax 10, Fw Px 8 – 9, Hw Ax 7, Hw Px 9 – 10. Colouration generally dark, black, brown and metallic green, with yellow pattern (Figs 8 a – d). Head. Face dark, largely brown and locally metallic, only with a narrow yellow stripe (Figs 8 f – g). Vertex metallic green with golden reflections in posterior parts. Postfrons metallic with green and blue reflections (Figs 8 a, f). Frontal shields of antefrons rich brown (Fig. 8 f). Antefrons sides yellowish brown to metallic with green, copper and golden reflections (Fig. 8 b). Postclypeus entirely dark, glossy black centrally and metallic green and bronze laterally. Anteclypeus yellow (Figs 8 f, g). Labrum brown with patina green tint (Figs 8 f, g). Labium variegated, with median lobe brown and lateral lobes two coloured: ochre yellow laterally and brown with green patina centrally (Fig. 8 g). Occipital triangle brownish to black. Postgenae brown with yellow markings (Fig. 8 b). Thorax. Synthorax dark brown (tinted green patina locally) with metallic reflections locally and yellow spots (Fig. 8 b). Middorsal carina brown. Mesepisternum largely metallic green. Synthoracic sides with three pale spots (Figs 8 b, 19): a small dull ochre yellow spot on the metakatepisternum below the metastigma and two large yellow spots: an upper oblong, comma-like spot on the mesepimeron, and a lower more oval spot along the posterior margin of metepimeron. Both bright spots encircled with metallic areas, with mostly green, but also blue, violet and reddish copper reflections, the last concentrated in a distinct patch below the mesepimeral yellow spot. No yellow spot on metepisternum. Poststernum brown (Fig. 8 b). Legs generally black with (partly) brown coxae and trochanters. Fore femora, on ventrolateral surface, with yellow central spot flanked with brown basally and black distally (Fig. 8 b). Wings. Membrane tinted with yellow in a very small but bright basal spot in all wings (Fig. 8 a). Pt short, rich brown (Fig. 8 a). Abdomen. Background dark brown and black, with increasing proportion of the latter from S 2 posteriorly, patterned with paired yellow spots (Figs 8 a – d). On S 2, only anterior laterodorsal spots present, evenly narrow and arched (Figs 8 a, c). In place of posterior laterodorsal spots, two paler brown transverse stripes. Lacking lateroventral spot on S 2, only a small yellowish brown marking at the base of the genital lobe. Similarly, on S 3 – 6, only anterior laterodorsal stripes, all gently curved with distal tips directed towards the twin stripe; in place of posterior stripes on S 3 – 4, only paler brown irregular shade (Figs 8 a, c). S 7 with a large dorsal yellow spot covering the anterior half of the segment, with two distal projections reaching 70 % of the segment’s length (Fig. 8 d). S 8 dorsally with two large triangular yellow spots, basally fused in a half-ring covering 40 % of the segment’s length and distally diverging and dissipating in yellow-brown melange, with tips reaching 80 % of the segment’s length (Fig. 8 d). S 9 dorsally mostly covered by two large spots, basally yellow and distally brownish, diverged by a blackish stripe along the dorsal carina. Dorsal process (keel) on S 10 small, shortly triangular and almost horizontal (Fig. 8 e). Secondary genitalia. Hamule destroyed. Genital lobe rather narrow, directed downwards, brownish black with pale base. Caudal appendages. Cerci medium-length and relatively stout, creamy yellow with blackish hair-like setae (Figs 8 d, e). In dorsal view, almost straight in basal one third of the length and then strongly divergent and tapered into blunt tips (Figs 8 d, 18). In lateral view, almost straight, with a sharp triangular spine pointing ventrally at about one third of the length and with tips blunt with an undercut lower edge (Figs 8 e, 17). Epiproct chocolate brown, brightened subapically, but with a black apical tooth; short, reaching half of the cerci length, and stout (Figs 8 e, 17). Female. Preserved in poor condition, in several parts (Figs 8 h, i). Total and abdomen lengths no longer measurable, Fraser (1956) provided 35 mm as the abdomen length. Fw length 37.2, Hw 35.3, Fw Pt 1.9, cerci 1.2. Fw Ax 10 – 12, Fw Px 9 – 10, Hw Ax 7, Hw Px 10 – 12. Appears in pre-reproductive period, with pale yellow Pt, and collapsed eyes and synthorax. Many features are difficult to ascertain, although several agree with those of the male, notably the largely brown background colour of the head and synthorax, and the markings on the postgenae, synthorax, fore femora, wing bases, and S 2 (Fig. 8 h). Central postclypeus not uniform as in the male, but two-toned: brown with an upper yellowish line below the epistomal suture.	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF89AA6071DD565AFDA9FECF.taxon	distribution	Distribution and ecology. Unknown.	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF8CAA6271DD52FAFD1BFCD1.taxon	description	Figs 9, 15, 17 – 19	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF8CAA6271DD52FAFD1BFCD1.taxon	etymology	Etymology. A feminine adjective indicating the species’ Malagasy origin.	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF8CAA6271DD52FAFD1BFCD1.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Holotype male and allotype female (MNHN), both from Ambila-Lemaitso, Atsinanana Region, Madagascar, 03.1951. Photographic records. Male (two photographs), 18.9115 ° S, 48.4332 ° E, which lies between the Analamazaotra Special Reserve and Mantadia National Park at 964 m asl, Alaotra-Mangoro Region, 06.02.2001, photo by Ulrich Röder (https: // observation. org / observation / 49961334 / erroneously assigned to Zahamena National Park).	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF8CAA6271DD52FAFD1BFCD1.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Medium-sized Nesocordulia species that appears to be unique by its black abdomen with uniformly rufous S 7 – 10 and its slender cerci. The latter are characteristically wavy in lateral view and abruptly bent inward at their tips, despite diverging for half of their length, in dorsal view. The thoracic markings with two upper and three lower yellow spots on each side are shared only with N. evanida (although they differ in detail), as is the labrum with two small yellow basal spots. A potential form of N. coloratissima with similarly uniform S 7 – 10 may occur locally, but that species differs in many features such as the cerci, occipital triangle, frons sides, labrum, and thoracic pattern.	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF8CAA6271DD52FAFD1BFCD1.taxon	description	Description. Pale colours of specimens in the collection are partly faded and darkened, thus the original species description by Fraser (1956) was helpful in their identification. Holotype male. Total length 53.2, abdomen (excluding appendages) 36.7, Fw 36.5, Hw 35.4, Fw Pt 2.4, cerci 2.6. Fw Ax 13, Fw Px 9 – 10, Hw Ax 8, Hw Px 10 – 11. Head. Face dark with a yellow centre (Fig. 9 c). Frons sides brown and metallic, with bronze, golden and green reflections (Fig. 9 f). Vertex, postfrons and central antefrons metallic: green and blue with violet reflections. The rest of antefrons dark brown, with a small yellow triangle in the centre at the clypeus margin (Fig. 9 c). Sides of postclypeus dark brown with metallic green reflections, while the centre of it and anteclypeus yellow (Figs 9 c, f). Labrum black and dark brown, with two small yellow spots at the base, separated by a diffused brown centre (Fig. 9 c). Labium light ochre, possibly ochre yellow in live. Occipital triangle black. Postgenae black. Thorax. Synthorax largely melanised, metallic reflections (mostly green and locally copper in the lower mesepimeron) interspersed with dark brown (Fig. 9 f). Mesepisternum metallic green with the ochre brown anterolateral corner adjacent to similar mesokatepisternum (Fig. 9 f). Synthoracic sides with five yellow spots in two lines (Figs 9 f, 19). In the upper line, two quite large markings, the irregularly triangular mesepimeral spot, at the level of metastigma and pointing dorsally, and the more rectangular metepisternal spot, with a projection pointing ventrally. In the lower line, three rather small spots along the lower margin of synthorax, the first on the metakatepisternum below the metastigma and two next on metepimeron. Poststernum mostly yellow, its broader region partly brownish. Middorsal carina dark brown. Wings. Membrane hyaline. Pt medium-sized, brown (Fig. 9 a). Abdomen. Divided into two sections, an anterior part (S 1 – 6), black with paired yellow pattern, and a posterior part (S 7 – 10), mostly reddish brown (Fig. 9 a). The laterodorsal yellow spots on each side of S 2 are of similar size: the anterior one more angular, with tapered tip pointing dorsally and the posterior one more rounded and tapered anteriorly. The lateroventral yellow spot on each side of S 2 stretched along most of the segment’s length; narrow anteriorly, broad posteriorly (Fig. 9 f). The laterodorsal yellow pattern on S 3 – 6 consists of anterior stripes on each segment, and posterior stripes on S 3 and S 4 only (Fig. 9 e). Basal laterodorsal spots on S 7 reddish brown, barely recognisable as almost completely merged with each other and with the similarly coloured rest of the segment; they turn into black in lateroventral parts of the segment (Figs 9 a, e). Along the ventral carina of S 3 – 6, a brownish line with an anterior yellow broadening on S 3 only; on S 7, there is no basal spot adjacent to the ventral carina. Secondary genitalia. In lateral view, the hamule oval to slightly rectangular with rounded distal corners and a hardly recognisable apical incision (Fig. 15); due to the poor quality of the available material, the actual shape of the hamule may differ in detail. Genital lobe relatively narrow, directed downwards, black and basally yellow. Caudal appendages. Cerci yellow, basally brown, with pale brownish shade up to 40 % of their length and with whitish hair-like setae. In dorsal view, slender, straight to their mid-length and gradually diverging distally, but subtly converging at extreme tip, and slightly tapering in the distal third (Figs 9 a, 18). In lateral view, shallowly sinusoidal, in the distal half of their length slightly distended, thus looking ‘ heavy’, hanging down (Figs 9 e, 17); a small ventral bulge visible near their base. Epiproct medium-length, reaching two thirds of the cerci length (Fig. 17), and ochre yellow with the brown apex. Variation in males. Pale elements in the living male (examined on photographs) clearly brighter than in the specimen in the collection: the abdominal pattern (S 2 – 6) pale yellow and caudal appendages yellowish white. The anterior part of S 7 to the supplementary transverse carina not reddish brown similarly to more distal parts as it is in the holotype male, but two-tone, basally darker (reddish black) and further paler, ochre. Allotype female. Total length 56.4, abdomen (excluding appendages) 40.9, Fw 38.2, Hw 37.4, Fw Pt 2.7 – 2.8. Fw Ax 12, Fw Px 8 – 9, Hw Ax 7 – 8, Hw Px 9 – 11. The female colour pattern (Figs 9 b, d) similar to that of the male holotype with the following differences: (a) frons sides pale brown; (b) labrum black to metallic bronze with less marked yellowish spots forming a diffused central area at the base; (c) colours on S 6 not clear (less well preserved), but it seems that intermediate between those on S 3 – 5 and S 7 – 10: blurred and darkened yellow stripes barely visible in the anterior part while the posterior two thirds of the segment mottled rusty on the black background (Fig. 9 b); (d) almost the whole wing membrane tinted with amber yellow in all wings, the most intensively, in form of rays, at base (Fig. 9 b). Cerci relatively long (1.8), ochre yellow (probably brighter alive) (Fig. 9 d).	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF8CAA6271DD52FAFD1BFCD1.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Known from two localities separated by some 75 km in eastern Madagascar (Fig. 21), in the ecoregion of Madagascar Humid Forests (One Earth 2024) and the hydrographic ecoregions of Eastern Lowlands and Eastern Highlands (Sparks & Stiassny 2022).	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF8EAA6C71DD5080FF22FC93.taxon	description	Figs 10, 15, 17 – 19	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF8EAA6C71DD5080FF22FC93.taxon	etymology	Etymology. A feminine adjective, of unknown origin, but probably after the Mascarene Islands. Fraser (1948) did not explain why he named a dragonfly from Madagascar after these islands (Mauritius, Réunion, Rodrigues) or their namesake, the Portuguese navigator Pedro de Mascarenhas. Unaware of the many dark species with pale appendages, Dijkstra & Cohen (2021) called this the “ White-tipped Knifetail ”.	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF8EAA6C71DD5080FF22FC93.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Holotype male (NHMUK 012502442), Mandritsara (without further data), Sofia Region, Madagascar, leg. W. Janson. Fraser (1948) described an allotype female (MNHN), just labelled “ Madagascar ”, from René Martin’s collection, which must thus have been collected before 1921. This does not appear to be conspecific with the holotype (see section on unidentified specimens below).	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF8EAA6C71DD5080FF22FC93.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Rather small Nesocordulia species easily separated by the uniquely slender and almost straight cerci, as well as the hamule with its long posterior branch. The thoracic pattern of yellow spots, crossed supertriangles and wholly yellow genital lobe appear to be distinctive too. The short and down-turned, almost horizontal dorsal process (keel) on S 10 is unlike in any other species except the otherwise very distinctive N. flavicauda.	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF8EAA6C71DD5080FF22FC93.taxon	description	Description. Holotype male. Total length 46.1, abdomen (excluding appendages) 31.4, Fw 32.2, Hw 32.3, Fw Pt 1.7, cerci 2.3. Fw Ax 12 – 13, Fw Px 8 – 9, Hw Ax 7, Hw Px 8 – 10. Colouration generally dark, black and metallic, with yellow pattern (Figs 10 a, b). Head. Face dark, metallic with a yellow centre (Fig. 10 d). Vertex, frons and sides of postclypeus with metallic reflections: largely green, but also locally blue on vertex and postfrons, and copper on sides of frons and postclypeus (Figs 10 b, d). Anteclypeus and central postclypeus yellow. Labrum glossy black (Fig. 10 d). Labium ochre yellow. Occipital triangle black. Postgenae black. Thorax. Synthorax largely metallic green and glossy black (with blue and copper reflections locally), with yellow spots (Fig. 10 b). Middorsal carina brown. Mesepisternum metallic green with a brownish yellow spot in the anterolateral corner (Figs 10 a, b). Yellowish spot on the mesokatepisternum. Synthoracic sides with four yellow spots in two lines (Figs 10 b, 19). In the upper line, two quite large, elongated spots, the mesepimeral triangular spot with a slightly curved and blunt tip obliquely pointing dorsally, and the metepisternal spot, ribbon-like and bluntly pointing ventrally. In the lower line, two markings along the lower margin of synthorax, a small spot on the metakatepisternum below the metastigma and a long and broad (at most slightly incised) spot, stretched along the most of metepimeron and adjacent to the yellow poststernum. Wings. Membrane hyaline. Pt very short, dark brown (Fig. 10 a). Supertriangles crossed in all wings (Fig. 10 a). Abdomen. Black, with paired yellow pattern (Fig. 10 a). The laterodorsal spots on each side of S 2 are of similar size: the anterior spot broad, with tapered tip directed dorsally, and the posterior one oval (Fig. 10 a). The lateroventral yellow spot on each side of S 2 stretched along most of the segment’s length; narrower anteriorly and broader posteriorly, distally covering the whole genital lobe (Fig. 10 b). The laterodorsal yellow pattern on S 3 – 6 consists of anterior stripes on all segments and posterior stripes on S 3 only (Fig. 10 a). S 7 with a basal dorsolateral half-ring, covering one fifth of the segment’s length and broadly divided along the black dorsal carina (Figs 10 a, e). Along the ventral carina of S 3 – 6, a pale yellow line broadened anteriorly on S 3 only (Fig. 10 c). On S 7, the yellow ventral carina broadened brownish; on S 8, ventral carina yellowish to brownish, with a large yellowish spot above; both broadenings on S 7 and S 8 visible in lateral view (Figs 10 c, e). Dorsal process (keel) on S 10 weakly defined, short (shortly pointed) and down-turned, almost horizontal (Fig. 10 e). Secondary genitalia. In lateral view, the hamule large, with a significantly longer posterior branch forming a quite long tip like a blunt claw curved towards the front (Figs 10 b, 15). An adjacent anterior branch much smaller, nestled at the base of the posterior ‘ claw’. Genital lobe relatively short, directed obliquely posteriorly, and totally yellow, with ochre yellow hair-like setae (Figs 10 b, 15). Caudal appendages. Cerci fairly short and thin, creamy yellowish, with dark brown base (brownish shade up to one third of the length) and pale hair-like setae (Fig. 10 e). In dorsal view, almost straight, slightly divergent in their distal half and not distended (Fig. 18). In lateral view, slightly arched up, with a blunt kink at two thirds of the lower edge, and with straight and gently tapering tips (Figs 10 e, 17). Epiproct light brown, darkening towards the black tip, and fairly long, reaching three quarters of the cerci length (Figs 10 e, 17).	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF8EAA6C71DD5080FF22FC93.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Known only from the type locality in northeastern Madagascar (Fig. 21). Since this site cannot be located precisely, it cannot be assigned to an ecoregion (possibly Madagascar Subhumid Forests, sensu One Earth 2024) or hydrographic ecoregion as both Northwestern Basins and Eastern Highlands (Sparks & Stiassny 2022) are possible.	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF80AA6E71DD50C6FD1CFD03.taxon	description	Figs 11, 15, 17 – 19	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF80AA6E71DD50C6FD1CFD03.taxon	etymology	Etymology. A feminine noun derived from Latin “ rubrus ”, red, and “ cauda ”, a tail, to emphasise the reddish brown abdomen.	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF80AA6E71DD50C6FD1CFD03.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. The male in MNHN, designated as the lectotype by Legrand (1984), should be considered as the holotype by monotypy, being the only specimen examined by R. Martin when he introduced the new species. The specimen is only labelled “ Madagascar ”.	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF80AA6E71DD50C6FD1CFD03.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Relatively large species, the second largest Nesocordulia, easily separated from all but one congener by its reddish brown body, brown wing bases, and dense venation, especially between the cubital and anal veins. Aside from the unique hamule and cerci (Figs 15 and 17 – 18, respectively), differs from N. fossa by the partly doubled cell rows subtended by Rspl in all wings and the absence of yellow markings on the clypeus and thorax as well as of black apical smudges laterally on S 3 – 6.	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF80AA6E71DD50C6FD1CFD03.taxon	description	Description. Holotype male. Possibly immature (pre-reproductive period), with colour pattern most probably fully developed, but not equally intense throughout. Total length 58.0, abdomen (excluding appendages) 40.3, Fw 42.2, Hw 41.1, Fw Pt 2.5, cerci 2.8. Fw Ax 15 – 16, Fw Px 13, Hw Ax 10 – 11, Hw Px 16 – 17. Colouration generally reddish brown, with metallic green thoracic stripes (Fig. 11). Head. Face dark, in various shades of brown (Fig. 11 f). Vertex, postfrons and central antefrons mostly darker reddish brown, and only locally with metallic greenish blue reflections. The rest of frontal shield warm brown (Figs 11 a, f). Frons sides yellowish brown, with some admixture of metallic greenish golden reflections. Lower corners and margin of antefrons brown (Figs 11 e, f). Clypeus dark brown (Fig. 11 f). Labrum reddish brown with paler ochre brown centre (Fig. 11 f). Occipital triangle light brown. Postgenae brown. Thorax. Synthorax brown to reddish brown with three evenly distributed metallic stripes (green, blue and locally copper reflections): the fairly small and rather blue stripe on mesepisternum, along the middorsal carina, and two longer stripes in anterior parts of mesepimeron and metepimeron, with the darkest brown area in between (Fig. 11 e). Synthorax lacking yellow spots. Legs two-toned, with basal parts (coxae, trochanters and large parts of femora) paler, ochre brown to reddish brown, and the rest dark brown to black (Fig. 11 e). Wings. Membrane amber brown basally: the darkened wing base larger in Fw, reaching farthest in costal and subcostal space (at level of Ax 2 in Fw and Ax 1 in Hw), and closest in median space in Fw or median and cubital space in Hw (Figs 11 a, d). Apart from the base, membrane clear, without any trace of brownish tint. Pt medium-sized, pale, yellowish buffy (immature?). Venation (Fig. 11 a): (a) row between the cubital and anal veins in Hw with 6 – 7 cells doubled (even tripled or quadrupled distally); (b) row between R 4 and the median vein in Hw with 3 – 4 cells doubled; (c) row subtended by Rspl in all wings with 3 – 7 cells doubled. Membranula pale buffy to white. Abdomen. Reddish brown, the most intensively on S 7 – S 9, with four black rings of posterior field of tergites from S 3 – 6; additionally, only an indistinct darkish ‘ nail’ there on S 2, and a thin dark posterior margin of S 7 (Figs 11 b, d). On S 3 – 6, no black triangular smudges bordering the posterior black rings. No yellow abdominal pattern, only yellow-ochre tint on S 4 – 6 locally (in their anterolateral regions), like faint remnants of anterior stripes typical of black Nesocordulia species (Figs 11 b, d). These segments in dorsal view three-tone brown: yellowish brown anteriorly, further rich reddish brown, and terminally dark reddish brown. Secondary genitalia. In lateral view, branches of hamule separated by deep and wide gap, with the posterior branch fairly narrow and pressed against the genital lobe, and the anterior branch broad and bent down subapically, with beak-like tip (Figs 11 e, 15). Genital lobe relatively long, bluntly triangular, directed downwards, reddish brown with rusty ochre hair-like setae (Figs 11 e, 15). Caudal appendages. Cerci fairly long, reddish brown, similar to abdominal colouration (Fig. 11 c). In dorsal view, rather straight at base and diverging gradually in distal half, with apices pointing outwards and bluntly tapered (Figs 11 c, 18). In lateral view, shallowly arched up, with a blunt kink at 60 % of the lower edge, and further with straight and tapering tips (Figs 11 b, 17). The lower margin of cerci rather uneven with two greater protrusions: the thickened kink mentioned above and a distinct bulge near their base. Epiproct reddish brown and fairly long, reaching 80 % of the cerci length (Figs 11 b, c, 17). Female, distribution and ecology unknown.	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF82AA6871DD51B6FA57FB6F.taxon	description	Figs 12, 15, 17 – 19	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF82AA6871DD51B6FA57FB6F.taxon	etymology	Etymology. A feminine noun derived from Latin “ cauda ”, a tail, and “ spina ”, a thorn or spine, probably describing the spinelike dorsal process on S 10. Dijkstra & Cohen (2021) followed the scientific name in calling the species “ Spine-tailed Knifetail ”. As the spinelike keel on S 10 is found in all Nesocordulia males, a new common name recognising the uniquely shaped appendages is proposed above.	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF82AA6871DD51B6FA57FB6F.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Two males and three females (MNHN), lectotype male and four paralectotypes designated by Legrand (1984); Fort-Dauphin (present Tôlanaro), Anosy Region, Madagascar, leg. Charles Alluaud, January of 1901, the year not given in the original description, but deduced from details known of the expedition (Jeannel 1952).	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF82AA6871DD51B6FA57FB6F.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Medium-sized Nesocordulia species, unique among the black-tailed species by its comparatively long (relative to both abdomen and epiproct) and forcipate cerci, sharply pointed genital lobe, and narrow dorsal yellow markings on S 8. By contrast, the undivided hamule has rather a simple form. The markings on the synthorax are similar only to those of N. lyricauda, which however also differs by its greater size, distinctive divided hamule (Fig. 15), and both shape and size of basal yellow spots on S 7.	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF82AA6871DD51B6FA57FB6F.taxon	description	Description. All specimens, 124 years ‘ old’, preserved at most in a moderate state, with damaged or partly damaged male appendages and partly faded or darkened yellow pattern. Lectotype male. Total length 52.2, abdomen (excluding appendages) 36.2, Fw 36.5, Hw 35.3, Fw Pt 2.1, cerci 3.5. Fw Ax 11 – 12, Fw Px 8, Hw Ax 7 – 8, Hw Px 9. Colouration generally dark, black and metallic, with yellow pattern (Fig. 12). Head. Face dark, largely metallic, with a yellow slightly trapezoidal centre (Fig. 12 c). Vertex metallic blue and violet. Frons with brown background (visible in frontal shield), largely with metallic reflections (green, blue, violet, copper and bronze) (Fig. 12 c). Postclypeus broadly yellow centrally with metallic green sides. Anteclypeus yellow (Fig. 12 c). Labrum dark, glossy black and bronze (Fig. 12 c). Labium yellow (Fig. 12 a). Occipital triangle black. Postgenae black. Thorax. Synthorax largely with metallic reflections, mostly green and blue and locally dark bronze and copper, and with large yellow spots (Figs 12 a, b). Mesepisternum with metallic green and blue reflections and yellowish brown anterolateral corner. Mesokatepisternum brown. Three yellow spots on synthoracic sides: (a) a single upper stripe on mesepimeron and metepisternum, long, narrow and kinked; (b) a small spot on the metakatepisternum below the metastigma; and (c) a long and wide rectangular marking covering the posterior half of metepimeron and adjacent to the yellow poststernum (Figs 12 a, b, 19). Wings. Membrane not tinted yellowish, at most a trace at the Hw base. Pt short, brown. Abdomen. Black with paired yellow pattern. The laterodorsal spots on each side of S 2 are of different shape and size: the anterior patch broad, with tapered tip directed dorsally, and the posterior one small, angular, directed obliquely ventrally. The broad yellow lateroventral spot on each side of S 2 stretched along the whole segment and penetrating the genital lobe, with a dorsal black ‘ bay’ below an auricle (Fig. 12 d). The laterodorsal paired yellow pattern on S 3 – 6 consists of anterior stripes on each segment and posterior stripes on S 3 only. S 7 with two basal laterodorsal yellow spots, broadly diverged dorsally and fairly small, covering one fifth of the segment’s length and not reaching far laterally (at most to the segment’s half-height) (Fig. 12 e). S 8 with two very narrow transverse yellow spots at the base (Fig. 12 e). The pale pattern along the ventral carina (yellow to brownish yellow, partly faded / darkened): (a) on S 3 – 7, a line, broadened anteriorly on S 3 only, on S 7 without any adjacent spot; (b) on S 8, a large irregularly triangular spot, the broadest in its anterior half (Fig. 12 f); (c) on S 9, an anterior broad spot; spots on S 8 – 9 visible in lateral view (Fig. 12 a). Secondary genitalia. In lateral view, the hamule not divided into branches, rectangular, with wavy anterior margin and rounded tips (Figs 12 d, 15). Genital lobe exceeding the hamule tip and strongly narrowed terminally, spine-like, with a bent posterior margin thus pointing obliquely posteriorly (Figs 12 d, 15); largely dark (brown to black) with a yellow posterobasal area and yellowish ochre hair-like setae. Caudal appendages. Cerci long and fairly narrow, creamy yellow, basally brown, with brownish shade up to a quarter of the length (Fig. 12 a). In dorsal view, arched outwards in their distal half with tips pointing inwards, thus resembling carpenter pincers (Fig. 18), but their arch is more gentle in comparison with the original tool, and also with the cerci illustrated in Fraser (1956). In lateral view, straight, with a strong, wide ventral tooth at 40 % of their length and with a tip bent and pointing ventrally (Figs 12 a, 17). Epiproct creamy yellow, basally brownish, and short, reaching half of the cerci length (Figs 12 a, 17). Variation in males. The paralectotype is smaller, total length 49.5, abdomen (excluding appendages) 35.1, Fw 34.9, Hw 33.4, Fw Pt 2.0, cerci 3.3. Fw Ax 11, Fw Px 7 – 8, Hw Ax 8, Hw Px 7 – 8. The colour pattern almost the same, only the posterior laterodorsal spot on S 2 larger, of similar size as the anterior one. Paralectotypes females. Total length 47.6 – 49.9, abdomen (excluding appendages) 34.4 – 36.9, Fw 36.4 – 37.0, Hw 33.2 – 35.1, Fw Pt 2.4 – 2.5, cerci 2.1 – 2.2. Fw Ax 11 – 13, Fw Px 7 – 8, Hw Ax 7 – 8, Hw Px 8 – 10. The female colour pattern very similar to that of the males (Fig. 12 h) with the following minor differences: (a) abdominal paired yellow pattern on S 3 – 6 complete, although posterior stripes on S 5 – 6 very short in two females (Fig. 12 g), and in one female a small posterior spot even on S 7; (b) basal laterodorsal spots on S 7 longer than wide, slightly trapezoidal (Fig. 12 g); (c) broad wing bases tinted with bright yellow to Ax 3, including supertriangles in Fw and triangles in Hw (Fig. 12 i). Cerci relatively long (2.1 – 2.2), creamy yellowish (possibly whiter in live) (Fig. 12 g).	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF82AA6871DD51B6FA57FB6F.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Known only from Tôlanaro in southeastern Madagascar (Fig. 21) in the ecoregion of Madagascar Humid Forests (One Earth 2024) and the hydrographic ecoregion of Eastern Lowlands (Sparks & Stiassny 2022).	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF84AA6A71DD565AFC07FC69.taxon	description	Figs 13, 15, 17 – 19	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF84AA6A71DD565AFC07FC69.taxon	etymology	Etymology. A noun in genitive singular dedicated to André Villiers, the French specialist of Afrotropical bugs and longhorn beetles who animated the new series of Revue Française d’Entomologie.	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF84AA6A71DD565AFC07FC69.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. The holotype male (MNHN), Lac Iconi, Mohéli (Mwali) Island, Comoros, 11.1955, leg. A. Robinson. Iconi is a small watercourse and settlement (present name: Hamavouna), close to Dziani Boundouni Lake. As there are no other lakes nearby, this is probably the same lake as Lac Iconi.	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF84AA6A71DD565AFC07FC69.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Rather small species (the second smallest Nesocordulia), uniquely occurring on the Comoros, but that is also distinct by its apically clubbed cerci, two-toned brown labium, and subtly different thoracic markings. Hamule similar to that of N. coloratissima (especially in lateral view) and N. evanida (in ventral view), albeit differing in the proportions and shapes of its anterior and posterior branches and the incision between them.	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF84AA6A71DD565AFC07FC69.taxon	description	Description. Holotype male. Total length 45.1, abdomen (excluding appendages) 29.8, Fw 31.2, Hw 29.8, Fw Pt 1.9, cerci 2.1. Fw Ax 12, Fw Px 8, Hw Ax 6 – 7, Hw Px 11. Colouration generally black, dark brown and metallic, with yellow pattern (Fig. 13). Head. Face dark, brown to black, partly with metallic reflections, and with a yellow centre (Fig. 13 d). Vertex and postfrons metallic green and violet (Figs 13 a, d). Frontal shield dark bronze with violet reflections (Fig. 13 d). Frons sides mostly melanised with metallic green reflections, but centrally translucent dark yellow. Labrum glossy black (Fig. 13 d). Labium two-tone brown, darker centrally, along the inner borders of lateral lobes (Fig. 13 e). Occipital triangle black. Postgenae black. Thorax. Synthorax largely dark purplish-brown and metallic, with mostly green and blue, and locally copper reflections (Fig. 13 c). The whole mesepisternum melanised, metallic blue and green. Mesokatepisternum dark purplish-brown with a small yellow spot. Synthoracic sides with four pale yellow spots in two lines (Figs 13 c, 19). In the upper line, a quite large mesepimeral spot, irregularly triangular and pointing dorsally, and the uppermost smaller metepisternal spot, bullet-like and also pointing dorsally. In the lower line, two markings along the lower margin of the synthorax: a small spot on the metakatepisternum, below the metastigma, and a much larger and oblong spot, situated centrally in the posterior half of metepimeron and almost adjacent to the yellow poststernum. Legs mostly chocolate brown (Fig. 13 c). Wings. Membrane hyaline. Pt short, brown (Fig. 13 a). Abdomen. Black and basally dark brown, with paired yellow pattern. The laterodorsal spots on each side of S 2 small: the anterior spot rectangular, with tapered tip directed dorsally, and the posterior one oval (Fig. 13 c). The lateroventral yellow spot on each side of S 2 stretched along the whole segment’s length, broader posteriorly (Fig. 13 c). The laterodorsal yellow pattern on S 3 – 6 reduced and consisting of anterior stripes on S 3 and S 4 (narrow), and posterior narrow stripes on S 3 only. Two basal laterodorsal yellow spots on S 7 roundish and small, covering at most one fifth of the segment’s length (Fig. 13 b) and broadly diverged along the dorsal carina. Pattern along the ventral carina: (a) on S 3 – 5, an indistinct yellowish brown line, broadened yellow anteriorly on S 3 only; (b) on S 6 – 7, the pattern indiscernible; (c) on S 8 – 9, a broad brownish stripe with yellow spots, on S 8 in its central and posterior sections, on S 9 in its anterior section; on both segments spots visible in lateral view. Secondary genitalia. In lateral view, the hamule with a shallow and wide, rectangular apical incision between the anterior and posterior branch, the former being short and blunt and the latter slightly longer, much broader and bluntly rounded apically (Figs 13 c, 15). In ventral view, the inner lobe of the anterior branch broadly rounded inwards and the posterior external branch twisted inwards and visible as a roundish finger-like projection (see Fig. 2 in Legrand 1984). Genital lobe bluntly triangular, pointing obliquely downwards, with yellowish ochre hair-like setae (Fig. 15). Caudal appendages. Cerci fairly short, bicoloured, brown in basal half and creamy white in distal half, with buffy greyish hair-like setae (Fig. 13 b). In dorsal view, gently arched inwards, with distended tips (Figs 13 a, 18). In lateral view, almost straight and apically swollen in a rounded ‘ head’ (Figs 13 b, 17); a small lateroventral bulge discernible at a quarter of the length. Epiproct warm brown, long, reaching 95 % of the cerci length (Figs 13 b, 17). Female. Unknown.	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF84AA6A71DD565AFC07FC69.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Only known from the type locality on the Comoros, somewhere between the coastal lowlands and hills of southeastern Mohéli, i. e. about 450 km from Madagascar (Fig. 21).	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF86AA6A71DD5784FB9DF938.taxon	description	(Figs 14 a – d) Female (NHMUK), Ankara-fansitra (locality not traced, could be Ankarafantsika), 09.01.1950, leg. A. R. While labelled as N. rubricauda, the colouration of Pt (Fig. 14 a), frons, labrum (Fig. 14 d), labium, and occipital triangle match N. coloratissima sp. nov., as does that of the synthorax, the two distinctive triangular yellow spots (Fig. 14 c) being found in one of that species’ paratype males too. The characteristic yellow basal spot on S 7 of N. coloratissima is absent, however (Figs 14 a, b), being replaced with reddish brown, and the cerci are darker yellow, although both do appear paler than the areas in between. These features may have lost their contrast in preservation or be masked by darker pigmentation. The female could also represent a variety of N. coloratissima or a closely similar species, especially if it is indeed from Ankarafantsika National Park, which is also in the drier west of Madagascar but over 450 km north of where that species has been recorded. Total length 47.4, abdomen (excluding appendages) 34.0, Fw 33.7, Hw 32.1, Fw Pt 2.4, cerci 0.9. Fw Ax 11 – 12, Fw Px 8 – 9, Hw Ax 7, Hw Px 10.	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FF86AA6B71DD558CFE75FE07.taxon	description	(Figs 14 e – h) Female with no other collection details than ‘ Madagascar’ in MNHN. Although still complete when studied by Fraser (1948) and designated as allotype of N. mascarenica, this female is now in poor condition, lacking S 6 – 10. Fraser found that the specimen matched the male holotype in NHMUK, but at least the following features do not correspond with it: (a) Pt (Fig. 14 g) 0.7 – 1 mm longer, length 2.4 – 2.7 mm versus 1.7 mm in the male, while typically it is just as long in females as in males (three known species of Nesocordulia) or at most 0.4 mm longer (two species); (b) supertriangles not crossed in all wings (Fig. 14 e) versus crossed in the male; (c) two metepimeral spots (larger and smaller) (Fig. 14 f) versus one large spot in the male, while in other species the number of spots is the same in both sexes (except N. evanida, however, where female has one spot versus males’ two); (d) the metepisternal spot (Fig. 14 f) of different shape and not arched as in the male, while in this genus, the shape of this spot is largely similar in both sexes; (e) upper sides of femora dark chocolate brown (Fig. 14 f) versus black in the male, while the dark colours of female legs follow those of the male ones in Nesocordulia. Although these differences seem to rule N. mascarenica out, this combination of features does not correspond to any other named species either. Thus, an unnamed species may also be considered. Fw length 37.4, Hw length 36.8, Fw Pt 2.4 – 2.7. Fw Ax 13, Fw Px 8 – 10, Hw Ax 8, Hw Px 10 – 12.	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FFB8AA5471DD53DBFBA0FECF.taxon	description	(Fig. 14 i) Photographic record. Female, 15.7029 ° S, 49.9619 ° E, Masoala National Park, Analanjirofo Region, northeastern Madagascar, 13.12.2013, photo by Callan Cohen. The short brown Pt and yellow markings (particularly on upper synthorax and S 5 – 7) are suggestive of N. mascarenica, but other features are not visible.	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FFB8AA5471DD52DFFDBEFD67.taxon	description	(Fig. 14 j)	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FFB8AA5471DD52DFFDBEFD67.taxon	materials_examined	Photographic record. Female, Palmarium Reserve, 18.606 ° S, 49.2118 ° E, Atsinanana Region, central-eastern Madagascar, 08.12.2023, photo by Michiel Van de Velde: https: // www. inaturalist. org / observations / 194048870 (also photographed and submitted without details by Yenthe Van Puyenbroeck: https: // www. inaturalist. org / observations / 247478087).	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
B042BE13FFB8AA5471DD52DFFDBEFD67.taxon	description	The long cerci and the shape of the yellow spots on S 7 and on the synthorax (the latter poorly visible) suggest N. spinicauda, but that species’ diagnostic yellow markings on S 8 are not apparent, while other informative features are not visible.	en	Bernard, Rafał, Daraż, Bogusław, Ravelomanana, Andrianjaka, Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. (2025): Six new species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular evolutionary radiation of dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Zootaxa 5660 (2): 151-193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1
