Pseudagrion (A) rufocinctum Pinhey, 1956
Albertine Sprite

Synonyms:

  • scientific: P. risi Schmidt in Ris, 1936 ssp. rufocinctum

Type locality: Maramba river near the Victoria Falls, Uganda

Diagnosis

Species not particularly close to any one of the Pseudagrion A species, however similar by (a) mostly species of forested or shaded habitats; (b) seldom pruinose, at most (partly) on thorax and Abd base; (c) thorax extensively black, usually with distinct (sometimes pruinose) antehumeral stripes; (d) legs usually at least broadly marked with black. Tarsal claws with small hook or notch beside main hook; (e) lower and upper branches of cerci both extend somewhat, creating mouth-like gap between them; (f) paraprocts pointed and up-turned. However, species set apart by (1) being restricted to Uganda, W Tanzania and E DRC; (2) anterior border of postclypeus usually yellow or orange, rather than black or pale blue; (3) cerci with lower branch bent strongly inwards and with separate small tooth at base (dorsal view). [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014; this diagnosis not yet verified by author]

Habitat description

Streams shaded by forest. Often with emergent vegetation and probably submerged roots and/or a gravelly bottom. From 800 to 1700 m above sea level.

Distribution

confirmed: Democratic Republic of the Congo; Tanzania; Uganda

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.


Reference

  • Pinhey, E.C.G. (1956). Some dragonflies of east and central Africa and a rarity from Mauritius. Occasional Papers Coryndon Memorial Museum, 4, 17-41. [PDF file]

Citation: Dijkstra, K.-D.B (editor). African Dragonflies and Damselflies Online. http://addo.adu.org.za/ [2024-03-19].