Lestinogomphus venustus Dijkstra & Mézière, 2015
Lovely Fairytail

Type locality: Ekala, Andzaba River, Gabon

Diagnosis

Male recalls L. angustus by (a) the fairly long S10, its dorsal length being 1.9-2.0x its apical height; (b) the prominent pair of teeth near the base of the epiproct dorsum. However, (1) the thoracic markings are unique in the genus: the green on the collar is merged as in all species but barely extends along the middorsal carina; the pale postdorsal stripes are reduced to be virtually invisible; the green antehumeral stripes are widened to extend well below the humeral suture; the humeral and interpleural black markings are merged to form a broad but isolated black stripe between the antehumeral stripe and metastigma; and a black metapleural stripe is absent, while it is present in most Lestinogomphus, especially if these are so dark, i.e. with extensive black on face, tibiae and abdomen; (2) the distal border of the posterior hamule is more sharply notched than any other species; and (3) the subbasal teeth of the epiproct, while distinct, are much smaller. [Adapted from Dijkstra, Kipping & Mézière 2015]

Habitat description

Streams shaded by forest. Often with blackwater, a sandy bottom and probably coarse detritus. Recorded at around 400 m above sea level.

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

• 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/ [2024-10-30].