Pseudagrion (B) pacale Dijkstra, 2015
Peace Sprite

Type locality: Moa River at Tilorma, Sierra Leone

Diagnosis

Male is nearest to P. sublacteum by (a) the essentially similar markings including reddish eyes, face and antehumeral stripes; (b) the broad lateral and apical lobes of the penis; (c) the narrow and slender cerci that clearly surpass the paraprocts; and (d) the hatchet-shaped paraprocts, with a prominent dorsal knob in lateral view. However, (1) is larger, Hw 21.5-24.0 mm (n = 6) rather than 18.5-21.0 mm (n = 6); (2) the postocular spots and antehumeral stripes become deep orange and the thorax sides pale green with maturity, rather than all turning dark and eventually uniformly pruinose; (3) the postocular spots are clearly framed with black; (4) the apical cleft of the penis is deep and narrow, while its wide lateral lobes bear tiny projections, thus the penis most recalls that of P. coeleste; (5) the paraprocts are pointed rather than rounded in dorsal view; and (6) the dorsal knob of the paraprocts is much higher than deep and thus more pronounced than in other African Pseudagrion species. [Adapted from Dijkstra, Kipping & Mézière 2015]

Habitat description

Rivers shaded by gallery forest. Usually with rocks and often emergent vegetation, probably especially faster sections. Recorded at around 100 to 200 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.

Barcode specimen(s):

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].