Platycypha inyangae Pinhey, 1958
Inyanga Jewel

Synonyms:

• scientific: P. fitzsimonsi (Pinhey, 1950) ssp. inyangae

Type locality: Inyanga, Zimbabwe

Diagnosis

Male is similar to P. pinheyi 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 wider, outer dilation of hind tibia 1-2x as wide as shaft, with red posterior sides; (c) femora largely dark, typically contrasting with white, yellow and/or red tibiae; (d) dorsum S2-6 rufous with black dorsal carinae, S7-10 blue; (e) paraprocts at least half as long as cerci. However, differs by (1) occurring at streams in Zimbabwe-Mozambique border region; (2) larger, Hw 21-24 mm. Separation from P. fitzsimonsi other than by range requires study. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014]

Habitat description

Mostly streams, but also rivers, shaded by gallery forest, but possibly also in open landscapes. Often with rocks and probably submerged roots, dead trunks or branches and/or coarse detritus. From 1100 to 2100 m above sea level, but possibly down to 700.

Distribution

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

• Pinhey, E.C.G. (1958). Records of dragonflies from the Zambezi and Rhodesia; a revision of the genus Platycypha; a gynandromorph dragonfly from Uganda. Occasional Papers National Museum Southern Rhodesia, 22B, 97-116. [PDF file]

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