Elattoneura lapidaria Dijkstra & Bjelke, 2015
Rock Threadtail

Type locality: Bundi Valley, Chimanimani Mts, Zimbabwe

Diagnosis

Males is nearest to E. glauca by (a) the pruinose face with maturity; (b) the penis with pointed apical lobes as well as slender filament-like lateral branches; and (c) the ventral process of the cerci that is wide at base, with a conspicuous subapical tooth next to the single apical tooth. However, is (1) larger, Hw 21.5-22.2 mm (n = 4) rather than 17.5-19.5 mm (n = 6); (2) darker with pruinosity on face, S8-10 and especially thorax less dense, with only narrow antehumeral stripes of pruinosity rather than largely pruinose mesepisterna; (3) has the penis with broader apical lobes that are laterally more rounded and less abruptly narrowed to their fine tips; (4) the cerci with relatively shorter apex but broader ventral process; and (5) the basal part of the paraprocts longer dorsally than ventrally in lateral view; however, the appendage shape may fall within the variation of E. glauca. [Adapted from Dijkstra, Kipping & Mézière 2015]

Habitat description

Streams in open landscapes. Probably especially faster sections (rapids, falls), usually with rocks that the species habitually perches on. Recorded at around 1500 m above sea level.

Distribution

confirmed: Zimbabwe


Male © Ulf Bjelke

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):


Adult, male; Zimbabwe, Manicaland, Chimanimani National Park © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.


Adult, female; Zimbabwe, Manicaland, Chimanimani National Park © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.


Adult, female; Zimbabwe, Manicaland, Chimanimani National Park © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.


Adult, female; Zimbabwe, Manicaland, Chimanimani National Park © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.


Adult, male; Zimbabwe, Manicaland, Chimanimani National Park © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.


Adult, male; Zimbabwe, Manicaland, Chimanimani National Park © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.


Adult, female; Zimbabwe, Manicaland, Chimanimani National Park © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.


Adult, male; Zimbabwe, Manicaland, Chimanimani National Park © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.

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/ [2024-03-19].