Phyllomacromia paula (Karsch, 1892)
Greater Double-spined Cruiser

Synonyms:

• scientific: P. paludis (Sjöstedt, 1900)

Type locality: Buea, Cameroon

Diagnosis

Male is similar to P. bispina by (a) frons broadly dark, without isolated, contrasting marking; (b) thorax with 2-3 pale stripes on each side: usually 1 antehumeral and 2 laterals, but one of these may be reduced; (c) hamule stout; (d) dorsum of S10 with peak bearing 1-2 cones; (e) peak of S10 bearing 2 cones clearly separated at their base (best seen in caudal view); (f) cerci and (tip of) genital lobe black. However, differs by (1) larger size, Hw 40-45 mm; (2) labium uniformly brown; (3) hamule with evenly rounded border, narrowing gradually to large hook. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014; this diagnosis not yet verified by author]

Habitat description

Streams, but possibly also rivers, mostly shaded but sometimes in open areas in forest. Often with a gravelly and/or sandy bottom and probably blackwater and coarse detritus. From 0 to 1000 m above sea level, but possibly much higher up.

Distribution

Appendages (dorsal view)	Appendages (lateral view)
Abdominal segment 2 (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):

References

• Karsch, F. (1892). Eine neue von Herrn Dr. Paul Preuss bei Buea im Kamerungebirge endeckte Odonate der Gattung Macromia. Berliner Entomologische Zeitschrift, 37, 15-16. [PDF file]
• Fraser, F.C. (1954). New species of Macromia from tropical Africa. Revue Zoologie Botanique Africaines, 49, 41-76. [PDF file]
• Gambles, R.M. (1979). West African species of Macromia (Odonata: Corduliidae) belonging to picta and sophia groups. Systematic Entomology, 4, 389-407. [PDF file]

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