Trithemis congolica Pinhey, 1970
Congo Dropwing

Type locality: Eala, DRC

Diagnosis

Male is similar to T. aconita by (a) Hw base with small brown patch, normally excluding triangle but extending onto anal field; (b) apex of anterior lamina pale, swollen and turned forward, appearing like hood, bare; (c) hamule with long rather straight hook with abruptly curved point; (d) genital lobe directed away from hamule. However, differs by (1) ranging from C Congo Basin to Gabon; (2) larger size, Hw 31-33 mm; (3) 13½-16½ Ax in Fw, only rarely down to 11½; (4) patch at Hw base large, fills subcostal space up to or beyond Ax1 and cubital space always beyond Cux, resulting in double-pointed patch. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014]

Habitat description

Mostly rivers, but also standing waters, in open areas in forest. Often calmer sections mostly with a soft (like muddy) bottom and probably emergent vegetation. From 300 to 1000 m above sea level.

Distribution

confirmed: Democratic Republic of the Congo; Gabon

Abdominal segment 2 (lateral view)

Wings

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, Province Equateur, Lower Itimbiri © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.


Female; Democratic Republic of Congo, Province Orientale,


Male; Democratic Republic of Congo, Province Orientale,


Male; Democratic Republic of Congo, Province Orientale,


Male; Democratic Republic of Congo, Province Orientale, © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.


Male; Democratic Republic of Congo, Province Orientale, © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.


Male; Democratic Republic of Congo, Province Orientale, © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.


Male; Democratic Republic of Congo, Province Equateur, Lower Itimbiri © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.

Reference

  • Pinhey, E.C.G. (1970). Monographic study of the genus Trithemis Brauer (Odonata: Libellulidae). Memoirs Entomological Society Southern Africa, 11, 1-159. [PDF file]

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