Trithemis longistyla (Fraser, 1953)
Fragile Dropwing

Synonyms:

  • scientific: Congothemis longistyla

Type locality: B[usu] Lite, DRC

Diagnosis

Male is similar to T. dubia by (a) dorsum of frons either pale or glossy black; (b) labrum often largely black; (c) venation largely dark, brown to black, like veins of Pt; (d) Fw discoidal field partly of 2 cell-rows; 3 cell-rows between anal loop and tornus; (e) no cell-doublings in radial planate (count those cells touching Rspl, but not IR3) [0-1]; (f) arculus often at Ax2 or distal to it, especially in Hw; (g) Hw base clear, yellow or brown, colour is usually brown if it extends beyond Cux; (h) hamule with long slender hook, like sickle; (i) Abd largely black, often with some pale markings, appears blue pruinose or black with maturity; (j) cerci drawn-out, ventral angle lies 1/6 of cercus length from apex. However, differs by (1) smaller size, Hw 21-24 mm; (2) Fw triangle of 1 cell [1-2], subtriangle of 1-2 [1-3]; (3) distal Ax in Fw usually complete; (4) pale ring on S2 continuous dorsally; (5) S4-7 at most with lateral streaks. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014; this diagnosis not yet verified by author]

Habitat description

Mostly streams, but also rivers, shaded by forest. Usually with blackwater, coarse detritus, and probably a soft (like muddy) bottom. From 300 to 500 m above sea level.

Distribution

confirmed: Democratic Republic of the Congo

Map citation: Clausnitzer, V., K.-D.B. Dijkstra, R. Koch, J.-P. Boudot, W.R.T. Darwall, J. Kipping, B. Samraoui, M.J. Samways, J.P. Simaika & F. Suhling, 2012. Focus on African Freshwaters: hotspots of dragonfly diversity and conservation concern. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment 10: 129-134.


Barcode specimen(s):


Male; Democratic Republic of Congo, Province Orientale, Lower Aruwimi © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.


Female; Democratic Republic of Congo, Province Equateur, Lower Itimbiri © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.


Male; Democratic Republic of Congo, Province Equateur, Lower Itimbiri © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.


Male; Democratic Republic of Congo, Province Orientale, © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.


Female; Democratic Republic of Congo, Province Orientale, © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.

Reference

  • Fraser, F.C. (1953). New genera and species of Libellulines from the Belgian Congo. Revue Zoologie Botanique Africaines, 48, 242-256. [PDF file]

Citation: Dijkstra, K.-D.B (editor). African Dragonflies and Damselflies Online. http://addo.adu.org.za/ [2024-03-28].