Porpax mezierei Dijkstra & Kipping, 2015
Blue-spotted Pricklyleg

Type locality: Ekala, Boubou, Gabon

Diagnosis

Male is structurally like its sympatric sister-species P. garambensis by (a) the dorsally converging pale postdorsal stripes; (b) the densely hairy anterior side of the hind femur and trochanter; and (c) the pointed rather than rounded lobe of the hamule. However, many details are closer to the norm in this genus, such as (1) the larger size, Hw 23.5-25.5 mm (n = 8) rather than 21.5-23.0 mm; (2) the large central pale spot on the spiracular dorsum; (3) the black area between the pale postdorsal stripes that is at least as wide as the stripes themselves; (4) the venter of the thorax with the largely pale poststernum and metepimera enclosed by black; (5) normally 2 rather than 1 Cux in Hw, although both species vary between 1 and 3; (6) 11½-12½ rather than 8½-10½ Ax in Fw; and (7) the absence of abdominal pruinosity. Unique in the genus by (8) the pale band on the frons being severed by black medially, as well as at the level of each antenna; (9) the black vertex with at most a weak dorsal spot, rather than a large and contrasting pale patch; (10) S4-7 with lateral blue spots that extend onto the ventral part of the tergites, but without a ring-like pale marking on S6; and (11) the blue dorsa of the cerci and epiproct. [Adapted from Dijkstra, Kipping & Mézière 2015]

 

Habitat description

Standing waters in open areas in forest, but sometimes shaded. Usually with coarse detritus and often blackwater and emergent vegetation. From 300 to 600 m above sea level.

Distribution

confirmed: Gabon


Male © Nicolas Meziere

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):

; Gabon, Haut-Ogoué, route Bongoville-Leconi / rivière Boubou © Mézière, Nicolas


Adult, male; Gabon, Haut-Ogoué, route Bongoville-Leconi (après Ekala, ancien village de Boubou) © Mézière, Nicolas ; Julien, Renoult ; Joelle, Lekogo


Adult, male; Gabon, Haut-Ogoué, route Bongoville-Leconi (après Ekala, ancien village de Boubou) © Mézière, Nicolas ; Julien, Renoult ; Joelle, Lekogo

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/ [2024-03-28].