Phyllomacromia sylvatica (Fraser, 1954)
Forest Cruiser

Type locality: Malaba forest, Kabras, Kenya

Diagnosis

Male is similar to P. congolica by (a) labium with contrasting yellow and dark brown pattern; (b) thorax with 2-3 pale stripes on each side: usually 1 antehumeral and 2 laterals, but one of these may be reduced; (c) border of hamule angled or incurved; (d) hind femur evenly brown to black; (e) foliation on S8 narrower, notched posterior to widest point; (f) dorsum of S10 flat, at most with rounded hump, without cones; (g) cerci brownish yellow to black, often darker than epiproct. However, differs by (1) larger size, Hw 35-42 mm; (2) border of hamule incurved at base of hook; (3) S3-6 all black, at most with tiny medial spots, rather than with large pale basal and medial spots. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014; this diagnosis not yet verified by author]

Habitat description

Streams shaded by forest. Often with coarse detritus and a soft (like muddy) bottom. Inferred to occur from 700 to 1700 m above sea level.

Distribution

confirmed: Democratic Republic of the Congo; Kenya; Tanzania; Uganda


Male © Hans-Joachim Clausnitzer


Appendages (dorsal view)

Appendages (lateral view)

Abdominal segment 2 (lateral 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.


References

  • Fraser, F.C. (1954). New species of Macromia from tropical Africa. Revue Zoologie Botanique Africaines, 49, 41-76. [PDF file]
  • Pinhey, E.C.G. (1961). Dragonflies (Odonata) of Central Africa. Occasional Papers Rhodes-Livingstone Museum, 14, 1-97. [PDF file]

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