Genus Micromacromia Karsch, 1890
micmacs

Synonyms:

• scientific: Eothemis Ris, 1919 [zygoptera]; Monardithemis Longfield, 1947 [flava]

Type species: Micromacromia camerunica Karsch, 1890

Introduction

Endemic to tropical Africa, four species are known, including those formerly classified in Eothemis and Monardithemis. All are fairly small (hindwing 24-29 mm) black-and-yellow dragonflies. The superficially similar M. camerunica and M. zygoptera are widespread in the rainforests of western and central Africa, preferring larger and smaller streams respectively. The very distinctive M. flava and M. miraculosa are restricted to highland forest streams in Angola and Tanzania respectively. Records of M. flava from Zambia were proven to be erroneous. Males may perch by the water, but often also fly low and quickly along shaded banks. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014]

Diagnosis

Male of genus is similar to Neodythemis by (a) size, Hw 20-31 mm; (b) Fw supratriangle with 1-2 cross-veins [0-2]; (c) Fw triangle and subtriangle usually of 1 cell, rarely both 2; (d) Fw discoidal field of 1-2 rows at base; (e) Fw discoidal field of 1-2 rows at base; (f) 9-18 Ax in Fw; (g) bridge spaces with 2-4 cross-veins [1-4]; (h) Hw triangles often with 1 cross-vein, as may Fw triangles; (i) always 1 cell-row in radial planate; (j) 2-4 Cux in Hw; (k) anterior denticles on hind femora pointed, directed towards apex of femur; (l) hamule with small, blunt, fingerlike or concealed hook, as well as with longitudinal ridge (ventral view), with hook bent inwards, lying in horizontal plane, in lateral view often concealed; (m) S7 with conspicuous pale mark, which is more prominent than any marking on S6 (invisible when covered by pruinosity). However, differs by (1) Fw discoidal field of 2 (rather than 1) rows at base; (2) anal loop of 7-15 (rather than 3-6) cells [5-15]; (3) hamule without anterior cleft. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014; this diagnosis not yet verified by author]

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.

References

• Dijkstra, K.-D.B., and Vick, G.S. (2006). Inflation by venation and the bankruptcy of traditional genera: the case of Neodythemis and Micromacromia, with keys to the continental African species and the description of two new Neodythemis species from the Albertine Rift (Odonata: Libellulidae). International Journal of Odonatology, 9, 51-70. [PDF file]
• Schouteden, H. (1934). Annales Musee Congo belge Zoologie 3 Section 2, 3, 1-84. [PDF file]
• Longfield, C. (1947). The Odonata of South Angola. Arquivos do Museu Bocage, Lisboa, 16, 1-31. [PDF file]

Citation: Dijkstra, K.-D.B (editor). African Dragonflies and Damselflies Online. http://addo.adu.org.za/ [2024-10-30].