Platycnemis subdilatata Selys, 1849
Barbary Featherleg

Type locality: Algeria, no locality data available.

Diagnosis

Endemic to northwestern Africa where it is unique by genus characters. The only small and pale damselfly with wide head, almost rectangular discoidal cell and feather-like legs in range. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Lewington 2006]

Habitat description

Rivers and (headwater) streams in open landscapes, open areas in forest or shaded by gallery forest. Often with emergent and aquatic vegetation, coarse detritus, rocks, and a gravelly, sandy and/or soft (like muddy) bottom. From 0 to 2100 m above sea level, but mostly below 1400.

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

• de Sélys-Longchamps, E. (1849). Libellulines de l'Algerie Histoire naturelle des animaux articulés. Exploration scientifique de l'Algérie, pendant les années 1840, 1841 et 1842 Imprimerie Nationale, Paris [Hippolyte Lucas] 3e partie, 115, 1-527.

Citation: Dijkstra, K.-D.B (editor). African Dragonflies and Damselflies Online. http://addo.adu.org.za/ [2024-10-30].