Zygonyx denticulatus Dijkstra & Kipping, 2015
Pale Cascader

Type locality: Kiubo, DRC

Diagnosis

Male belongs to flavicosta-complex by (a) the modest size, Hw 35.0-39.0 mm (n = 24); (b) the moderately dense venation, with 10½-12½ Ax in Fw; (c) the largely black hind legs; (d) the pointed and forward-curved apex of the anterior lamina; and (e) the pale subapical band on the dorsum of S7 that stands out against largely dark S5-6. Differs from sympatric Z. flavicosta by (1) the dorsal dark metallic area that does not extend to the anterior side of the frons; (2) the pale brown and not blackish Pt; and (3) the presence of denticles on the apical border of the genital lobe. Also, (4) the labrum is often pale brown at least at its base, although it can be wholly black as in Z. flavicosta; (5) the background colour of the thorax is browner and the pale stripes are often more fragmented and reduced, e.g. the stripe on the metepisternum is typically broken between the metastigma and wing base, or may be reduced to a single spot in that position, while the metepimeron may bear only one to three spots rather than a T-shaped stripe; and (6) the hook of the hamule often seems longer and more strongly curved, about as long as the width of its base, rather than about half. [Adapted from Dijkstra, Kipping & Mézière 2015]

Habitat description

Streams shaded by gallery forest. Probably often with rocks. From 800 to 1600 m above sea level.

Distribution

confirmed: Angola; Democratic Republic of the Congo; Zambia


© KD Dijkstra

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, Katanga, © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.


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


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


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


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


Female; Democratic Republic of Congo, Katanga, Kundelungu National Park © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.

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].