Trithemis hinnula Dijkstra, Mézière & Kipping, 2015
Mule Dropwing

Type locality: Ekala, Boubou, Gabon

Diagnosis

Male is typical of the longistyla-group by (a) small size, Hw 26.5-27.5 mm (n = 3); (b) the glossy black dorsum of the frons; (c) Fw discoidal field being partly of 2 cell-rows; and (d) the absence of cell-doublings in the radial planate and thus a single row of cells there. However, (1) the pale thoracic marking are more reduced, i.e. when the mesepimeron and metepimeron still bear distinct pale bands the mesepisternum, as well as the metepisternum between the metastigma and metapleural suture, is unmarked; (2) Hw base has a weakly defined dark patch to about Cux, most like T. apicalis, that is not distinctly darker in the subcostal and cubital spaces as in T. dubia and T. longistyla; (3) the hamule does not have a slender and sickle-like hook like T. dubia and T. longistyla, but also lacks the distinctly humped lobe of T. apicalis, T. leakeyi and T. osvaldae, in stead having a rather short hook and a ridge-like lobe; (4) S4-7 have distinct pale markings ventrally when their dorsum is wholly black, S5-6 developing some pale grey pruinosity, rather like T. dubia but unlike T. apicalis where pruinosity is more blue and concentrated on the thorax and S1-3; and (5) the cerci are of normal proportions, with their ventral angle at a third of their length from the apex, rather than a sixth as in T. dubia and T. longistyla. [Adapted from Dijkstra, Kipping & Mézière 2015]

Habitat description

Standing waters in open areas in forest. Usually with coarse detritus and probably blackwater, emergent vegetation and/or a soft (like muddy) bottom. Recorded at around 400 m above sea level.

Distribution

confirmed: Gabon


© Nicolas Meziere


Abdominal segment 2 (lateral view)

Wings

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.


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/ [2024-03-29].