Appearance
As reflected by its common name, "Z. fasciata" is easily distinguished by its vibrant iridescent blue wings. The wings are almost uniform in color, but sometimes display a lighter band just near short of the apex. The lateral surface of the thorax is a dark brown color with narrow, irregular yellowish bands. Two broad, light markings appear on the underside of the male thorax. A lighter band often runs from the anterior margin to the posterior margin. The abdomen is dark brown, again often with yellow narrow bands along the posterior margins of the segments. The larva of the species have not been described.Naming
The species has in the past been known by additional taxonomic names, including: "Libellula fasciata", "Libellula americana", and "Libellula violacea".Behavior
"Zenithoptera fasciata" live in tropical and subtropical forests and rainforests, as well as wetlands. Adults spend a majority of their time in the forest canopy, generally only coming down to lower areas for shorter periods, generally in the midday sun and often only long enough for quick breeding encounters. When below the canopy, they are frequently at rest at shallow pools overgrown with low grasses and sedges, and in less crowded areas of forest, where they perch on high ground or on tall slender twigs. When perched, wings are typically held erect above the body, occasionally brought down suddenly to a deflected position.Habitat
"Zenithoptera fasciata" live in tropical and subtropical forests and rainforests, as well as wetlands. Adults spend a majority of their time in the forest canopy, generally only coming down to lower areas for shorter periods, generally in the midday sun and often only long enough for quick breeding encounters. When below the canopy, they are frequently at rest at shallow pools overgrown with low grasses and sedges, and in less crowded areas of forest, where they perch on high ground or on tall slender twigs. When perched, wings are typically held erect above the body, occasionally brought down suddenly to a deflected position.References:
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