Gynacantha (B) congolica Dijkstra, 2015
Congo Duskhawker

Type locality: Yaekela, DRC

Diagnosis

Male is similar only to G. manderica by (a) the distinctly blackened triangular depression on the venter of the thorax anterior to the poststernum; (b) the dark mid and hind legs with pale streaks on the tibiae; and (c) the posterior portion of the genital fossa border densely set with denticles. However, is (1) confined to swamp forest in the Congo Basin; (2) larger, Hw 42.0-44.0 mm (n = 4) rather than 35.0-39.0 mm (n = 17); (3) the black mark on the frons is broad and pentagonal, rather than narrow and mushroom-like; (4) there are no dark dots on the fossae of the humeral and metapleural sutures; (5) the wing bases have distinct dark rays to Ax2-3; and (6) has 22-27 rather than 13-19 Ax in Fw. [Adapted from Dijkstra, Kipping & Mézière 2015]

Habitat description

Standing and mostly temporary waters shaded by forest. Usually with coarse detritus and mostly a soft (like muddy) bottom. From 200 to 600 m above sea level.

Distribution

Appendages (dorsal view)

Frons (dorsal view)

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):

Reference

• Dijkstra, K.-D.B., Mézière, N., and Kipping, J. (2015). Sixty new dragonfly and damselfly species from Africa (Odonata). Odonatologica, 44, 447-678.

Citation: Dijkstra, K.-D.B (editor). African Dragonflies and Damselflies Online. http://addo.adu.org.za/ [2024-10-06].