Stenocypha molindica (Fraser, 1948)
Bow-faced Jewel

Synonyms:

  • scientific: Chlorocypha molindica

Type locality: PN Albert, Molindi riv., DRC

Diagnosis

Male is similar to S. hasta and S. tenuis by (a) markings of thorax broken up into more or less parallel stripes and blotches; (b) at least hind tibiae usually white anteriorly; (c) red confined to dorsum of S3-10, venter black; (d) paraprocts black, about ½ as long as cerci. However, differs by (1) head with bow-shaped yellow band from eye to eye, rather than scattered yellowish spots, and occiput all black; (2) 6-9 (rather than 3-5) cross-veins between R2 and R3 before origin of IR2; (3) S2 with complete lateral black lines, rather than without,  separating red centre from yellowish sides. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014]

Habitat description

Streams shaded by forest. Often with a gravelly and/or probably sandy bottom, submerged roots, dead trunks or branches and/or coarse detritus. From 900 to 1800 m above sea level, although possibly down to 700.

Distribution

confirmed: Democratic Republic of the Congo; Uganda; NOT confirmed: Burundi


© Giff Beaton


Abdomen (dorsal view)

Head (front)

Thorax (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

  • Fraser, F.C. (1948). Three new species of Ethiopian Odonata. Proceedings Royal Entomological Society London Series B 17, 5-10. [PDF file]

Citation: Dijkstra, K.-D.B (editor). African Dragonflies and Damselflies Online. http://addo.adu.org.za/ [2024-03-29].