Pseudagrion (A) munte Dijkstra, 2015
Upemba Sprite

Type locality: Upemba NP, Munte River, DRC

Diagnosis

Male is similar to several highland species of the A-group of Pseudagrion by (a) the small size, Hw 18.5-20.0 mm (n = 10); (b) the bluish green labrum that is narrowly black at its base, contrasting with black postclypeus; and (c) the frons and dorsum of the thorax and abdomen base that are pruinose with maturity. Differs from the somewhat similar P. vumbaense, sympatric P. inconspicuum and syntopic P. spernatum by (1) the evenly pruinose dark mesepisternum without defined pruinose or pale antehumeral stripes with maturity; (2) the black rather than pale brown or reddish Pt; (3) the entire dorsum of S8 but only the basal half of S9 being blue, rather than both segments completely blue dorsally or wholly pruinose; and (4) the cerci nearest to those of P. symoensii with an internal flange on the lower branch that extends almost to the base and ends in a sharp up-turned tooth, although this tooth is not as large and there is no additional tooth more basally and dorsally. Note that latter species, while genetically and geographically close, is otherwise very different, e.g. with orange labrum and frons, and red Pt. [Adapted from Dijkstra, Kipping & Mézière 2015]

Habitat description

Rivers in open landscapes. Usually with blackwater, emergent vegetation, and probably a sandy bottom. Recorded at around 1400 m above sea level.

Distribution

confirmed: Democratic Republic of the Congo


© KD Dijkstra


Appendages (dorsal view)

Appendages (lateral 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, Upemba National Park © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.


Male; Democratic Republic of Congo, Katanga, Upemba National Park © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.


Male; Democratic Republic of Congo, Katanga, Upemba 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].