Description of the final instar larva of Ischnura saharensis Aguesse, 1958 (Odonata: Coenagrionidae)

This study describes and illustrates for the first time the final larval instar of Ischnura saharensis Aguesse, 1958, based on the analysis of 26 F-0 larvae and 29 exuviae gathered on Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, where it is the only species of damselfly present. We examine 16 morphometric traits and analyse the biometric and morphological differences between the females and males. Lastly, we compare the information obtained with corresponding knowledge of sympatric congeneric species distributed throughout the Iberian Peninsula and the Maghreb. Ischnura saharensis can be distinguished from other species by the structure of the genitalia, caudal lamellae, and cerci.