Pseudagrion (A) symoensii Pinhey, 1967
Katanga Sprite

Type locality: Kundelungu Plateau, Katwe, DRC

Diagnosis

Male is similar to P. bicoerulans by (a) mostly species of open or montane habitats; (b) frons not pruinose; (c) Abd usually pruinose, as are often head and/or thorax; (d) labrum yellow to orange, may be blackish in old specimens; (e) thorax extensively black, usually with distinct (sometimes pruinose) antehumeral stripes; (f) legs usually at least broadly marked with black. Tarsal claws with small hook or notch beside main hook; (g) lower and upper branches of cerci both extend somewhat, creating mouth-like gap between them; (h) paraprocts pointed and up-turned. However, differs by (1) less widespread, and being restricted to Katanga; (2) frons below antennae entirely orange rather than being extensively black, in contrast with wholly black postclypeus; (3) antehumeral stripes and postocular spots often reduced or absent; (4) cerci with broad flange on lower branch with large sharp up-turned tooth at its basal end (dorsal view). [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014; this diagnosis not yet verified by author]

Habitat description

Streams in open landscapes or shaded by gallery forest. Usually boggy or with blackwater, often with emergent vegetation. From 1500 to 1800 m above sea level, but possibly down to 900.

Distribution

Appendages (dorsal view)

Appendages (lateral 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

• Pinhey, E.C.G. (1967). Odonata Zygoptera. Exploration Hydrobiologique Bassin Lac Bangweolo Luapula, 14, 1-43. [PDF file]

Citation: Dijkstra, K.-D.B (editor). African Dragonflies and Damselflies Online. http://addo.adu.org.za/ [2024-10-31].