Diplacodes bipunctata (Brauer, 1865)

(Fig. 78)

Libellula bipunctata Brauer, 1865a: 503; Cordulia novae-zelandiae Brauer, 1865; Diplax pacificum Kirby, 1894; Sympetrum bipunctatum novaezealandiae McLachlan, 1894 .

Distribution (Fig. 79). A widely distributed species found from East Africa in the west, Japan in the north, Australia and New Zealand in the south and the Pacific islands in the east (Fiji, Vanuatu, Guam, Palau, Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Northern Marianna Islands) (Tsuda 2000) and even French Polynesia (Paulian 1998). It is widespread in New Caledonia, having been found at more than 20 localities on Grande Terre. Bigot (1985) collected a few individuals in the Dumbéa municipality, in the Plaine des Lacs and on Ouvéa.

Habitat. Diplacodes bipunctata occurs in swamps and ponds in sunny places.

Biology and behaviour. The larva was illustrated by Lieftinck (1962). Adults fly extensively over bodies of water, perching frequently.

Status. In view of its wide distribution, D. bipunctata does not seem threatened in New Caledonia. We therefore rank it as LC.