Chlorocypha granata Dijkstra
Garnet Jewel

Type locality: Ubangi, Ebuku, DRC

Diagnosis

Male recalls the western African C. dispar and potentially sympatric C. pyriformosa by (a) the small size, Hw 19.5-21.0 mm (n = 4); (b) the extensively black head, including the all black labrum, and thorax, both with quite limited and inconspicuous brown markings; (c) the anteriorly white-streaked mid and hind tibiae, but black fore tibiae; (d) the red abdominal dorsum; and (e) the black markings on S2 enclosing a central red marking. However, (1) the middorsal carina of the thorax is dark as in C. dispar, not contrastingly pale as in C. pyriformosa; (2) the anterior faces of the mid and hind tibiae are entirely white as in C. pyriformosa, while the mid is only half white in C. dispar; and (3) S2-3 are red rather than extensively black laterally, S2 is marked with an oval spot dissected by a black line over the dorsal carina recalling a coffee bean, S3-5 have paired thick black spots fused to apices, and S6-7 paired subapical dark hyphens. [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. Recorded at around 300 m above sea level.

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.

Reference

• Dijkstra, K.-D.B., Mézière, N., and Kipping, J. (2015). Sixty new dragonfly and damselfly species from Africa (Odonata). Odonatologica, 44, 447-678.

Citation: Dijkstra, K.-D.B (editor). African Dragonflies and Damselflies Online. http://addo.adu.org.za/ [2024-11-15].