Chlorocypha ghesquierei Fraser, 1959
Congo Red Jewel

Type locality: Eala, DRC

Diagnosis

No full diagnosis of this species, known only with certainty from the type locality, is presently available. However, the male differs subtly from similar species with (a) an all-red abdominal dorsum; and (b) all black legs; by being (1) fairly small, Hw 21.0-22.0 mm rather than 22.0-25.0 mm; having (2) a dark face with prominent double pale (probably yellow or blue in life) spots on the labrum and pale genae extending as narrow wedges along the eyes; (3) a dark thorax with the pale ante-humeral stripes obscured with age, leaving only two yellowish bands on the sides; and (4) a quite extensively black dorsum of S2 contrasting with the almost unmarked remaining abdomen. [Adapted from Dijkstra, Kipping & Mézière 2015]

Habitat description

Not known, but probably rivers or streams shaded by or in open areas in forest. Probably often with submerged roots, dead trunks or branches and/or coarse detritus. From 300 to 900 m above sea level.

Distribution

confirmed: Democratic Republic of the Congo

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.


References

  • Fraser, F.C. (1959). A new species of Chlorocypha and some notes on the synonymy of other species of Odonata from the Belgian Congo. Revue Zoologie Botanique Africaines, 60, 307-312. [PDF file]
  • Pinhey, E.C.G. (1967). African Chlorocyphidae (Odonata). Journal Entomological Society Southern Africa, 29, 161-197. [PDF file]

Citation: Dijkstra, K.-D.B (editor). African Dragonflies and Damselflies Online. http://addo.adu.org.za/ [2024-10-15].