Selysiothemis nigra - Black Pennant (Desert Darter)

Uncommon but migratory and can be locally abundant at large man-made water bodies, e.g., Rufaysah Dam (Wadi Shih, Khor Fakkan); Al Warsan Lakes (formerly Wimpey Pits) in Dubai where males have patrolled in swarms while associated females perched on nearby waste ground; Palm Sports Resort pond (formerly Al Maqam Golf Course) in Al Ain, where a swarm migrated through in May 2007; common at Zakher Pools in Al Ain in mid-October 2008.
Occasional females found on low shrubs on waste grounds in the Dubai hinterland.

Often perches in obelisk position (i.e., with the abdomen held relatively erect).
A small species that defers to others.

In the UAE both the black male and pale female can be confused with Diplacodes lefebvrei - Black Percher (Purple Darter).
Distinguishing features of S. nigra are:
- fairly short, often pale pterostigma with distinct anterior and posterior margins that together resembles an 'equal sign' (=)
- lack of orange patch at base of hindwing
- broad interior of hindwing
- wing venation is indistinct and somewhat translucent, with large cells
- even dark grey males have a pale face (frons)
- male claspers somewhat orange coloured
 

Photos

Short, very pale pterostigma with distinct anterior and posterior margins that together resembles an 'equal sign' (=)

Lack of orange patch at base of hindwing

Wing venation is indistinct and somewhat translucent, with large cells

Males have a pale face (frons)

Male claspers