Gynacantha (A) vesiculata Karsch, 1891
Lesser Girdled Duskhawker

Synonyms:

  • scientific: G. ochraceipes (Pinhey, 1960)

Type locality: Chinchoxo, Angola [Cabinda Enclave]

Diagnosis

Male is similar to G. cylindrata by (a) rim of metastigma black, contrasting with colour of thorax; (f) anal triangle of 3-6 cells; (d) 2-3 cell-rows between R2 and R3 proximal to Pt; (e) brace veins absent; (h) cerci widened, and at most thickened somewhat near base and sharply cut-off at end, inner border bisinuous, concave roughly 2/3 from base; (b) wings may be tinted, but without distinct subcostal rays; (c) mainly 4-5 rows in fork of IR3; (g) S3 cylindrical, of almost uniform width throughout. However, differs by (1) smaller average size, Hw 44-48 mm; (2) cerci not so sharply excavated, hairs evenly spaced along its entire length. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014]

Habitat description

Standing and mostly temporary waters shaded by (gallery) forest. Usually with coarse detritus and mostly a soft (like muddy) bottom. From 0 to 1800 m above sea level.

Distribution

confirmed: Angola; Central African Republic; Congo-Brazzaville; Democratic Republic of the Congo; Ethiopia; Gabon; Ghana; Liberia; Malawi; Nigeria; Republic of Guinea; Sierra Leone; Tanzania; Uganda; Zambia; NOT confirmed: Cameroon; Equatorial Guinea; Mozambique

Appendages (dorsal view)

Appendages (lateral view)

Abdominal segment 2 (ventral 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):


Female; Democratic Republic of Congo, Katanga, © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.


Female; Sierra Leone, Eastern Province, Gola Forest © Dijkstra, K.-D.B. & A. Dayeker


Female; Liberia, Grand Gedeh County, Putu Iron Ore Mining concession © Dijkstra, K.-D.B. & A. Dayeker


Male; Liberia, Nimba County, Grassfield-Zotarpa Road © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.


Male; Liberia, Nimba County, Mts Gangra-Yuelliton © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.

References

  • Karsch, F. (1891). Kritik des Systems der Aeschniden. Entomologische Nachrichten, 17, 273-290.
  • Pinhey, E.C.G. (1966). Check-list of dragonflies (Odonata) from Malawi, with description of a new Teinobasis Kirby. Arnoldia, 2, 1-24. [PDF file]
  • Sjöstedt, Y. (1909). Wissenschaftliche Ergebnisse der schwedischen zoologischen Expedition nach dem Kilimandjaro, dem Meru und den umgebenden Massaisteppen Deutsch-Ostafrikas 1905-1906 unter Leitung von Prof. Dr. Yngve Sjöstedt. 14. Pseudoneuroptera. Odonata,14, 1-52.

Citation: Dijkstra, K.-D.B (editor). African Dragonflies and Damselflies Online. http://addo.adu.org.za/ [2024-03-28].