A new species Orthetrum aberrans sp. nov. (Odonata: Libellulidae) from China

A new species Orthetrum aberrans sp. nov. from China is described on the basis of both molecular and morphological evidence. The species is characterized by reduced pruinosity on the body. According to molecular analysis the new species is closely related to Orthetrum albistylum (Selys) and Orthetrum cancellatum (Linnaeus).

Males of the new species resemble O. albistylum in morphology whereas females are rather similar to O. cancellatum. The present study suggests that the new species might be derived from the hybridization of O. albistylum and O. cancellatum but this is not yet confirmed.