Platycypha amboniensis (Martin, 1915)
Kenya Jewel

Type locality: Amboni / Fort Hall, Kenya

Diagnosis

Male is similar to P. pinheyi and P. inyangae by (a) humeral and metapleural stripes narrow, about as wide as hind femur is thick, black of mesepimeron usually clearly dissected by pale ‘posthumeral’ stripe; (b) tibiae narrow, outer dilation of hind tibia 0.5-2x as wide as shaft; (c) femora largely dark, typically contrasting with white, yellow and/or red tibiae; (d) Abd at least blue on S7-10; (e) paraprocts at least half as long as cerci. However, differs by (1) occurring in Kenya; (2) slightly larger with Hw 21-26 mm; (3) tibiae narrower, outer dilation of hind tibia 0.5-1x as wide as shaft, with orange posterior sides; (4) dorsum S2-4 rufous with black dorsal carinae, S5-10 blue. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014]

Habitat description

Streams shaded by forest, but sometimes in clearings. Often with rocks and usually with dead trunks or branches and probably submerged roots and/or coarse detritus. From 1800 to 2400 m above sea level, but possibly down to 1500.

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.

Reference

• Martin, R. (1915). Insectes Pseudoneuroptères. II. Odonata. In: Voyage de Ch. Alluaud et R. Jeannel en Afrique orientale (1911-1912). Résultats scientifiques. Insectes Paris, 19-50. [PDF file]

Citation: Dijkstra, K.-D.B (editor). African Dragonflies and Damselflies Online. http://addo.adu.org.za/ [2024-11-13].