Platycypha eliseva Dijkstra, 2008
Lucifer Jewel

Type locality: Lokutu, DRC

Diagnosis

Male is similar to P. auripes by (a) rather large in size, Hw 18-26 mm; (b) humeral and metapleural black stripes broad, wider than thickness of hind femur, obscuring pale ‘posthumeral’ stripe; (c) femora largely dark, typically contrasting with white and red tibiae; (d) Abd orange to red and without blue, S8-10 largely black or yellow. However, differs by (1) being restricted to C DRC; (2) posterior side of tibiae red, rather yellow; (3) dorsum of S8 yellow and black rather than reddish and black, S9-10 all yellow, rather than black. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014]

Habitat description

Streams shaded by forest, but sometimes in clearings. Mostly with a sandy bottom and probably often blackwater, submerged roots, dead trunks or branches, and/or coarse detritus. From 300 to 500 m above sea level.

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):

Reference

• Dijkstra, K.-D. B. (2008). The systematist's muse -- two new damselfly species from 'Elisabetha' in the Congo Basin ( Odonata: Chlorocyphidae, Platycnemididae). Zoologische Mededelingen, 82, 15-27. [PDF file]

Citation: Dijkstra, K.-D.B (editor). African Dragonflies and Damselflies Online. http://addo.adu.org.za/ [2024-11-14].