Platycypha picta (Pinhey, 1962)
Petite Jewel

Type locality: Etoumbi Forest, Makoua, Congo

Diagnosis

Male is distinguished from other Platycypha species by (1) smaller size, Hw 15-16 mm; (2) femora and tibiae largely bright yellow, only black around joints, resulting in ‘ringed knee’ pattern. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014]

Habitat description

Mostly streams, but also rivers, shaded by or in open areas in (gallery) forest. Usually with dead trunks or branches, mostly a sandy bottom, and probably often blackwater, submerged roots and/or coarse detritus. From 100 to 800 m above sea level, but mostly below 700.

Distribution

Abdomen (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):

References

• Pinhey, E.C.G. (1962). Some records of Odonata collected in tropical Africa. Journal Entomological Society Southern Africa, 25, 20-50. [PDF file]
• Aguesse, P. (1966). Contribution à la faune de Congo (Brazzaville) Mission A. Villiers et A. Descarpentries XXI. Odonates. Bulletin de l'Institut fondamental d'Afrique noire, 28, 783-797. [PDF file]

Citation: Dijkstra, K.-D.B (editor). African Dragonflies and Damselflies Online. http://addo.adu.org.za/ [2024-10-05].