Zygonyx annika Dijkstra, 2015
Annika's Cascader

Type locality: Moa River at Tiwai Island, Sierra Leone

Diagnosis

Male belongs to the flavicosta-complex by (a) the modest size, Hw 36.5 mm (n = 1); (b) the moderately dense venation, with 13½-14 Ax in Fw; (c) the largely black hind legs; (d) the pointed and forward-curved apex of the anterior lamina; and (e) the pale dorsal band on S7 that stands out against the largely dark S5-6. Differs from the sympatric Z. flavicosta by (1) the dorsum of the eyes being deep reddish brown, contrasting with their greyish underside, rather than uniformly grey-blue; and (2) the shorter hook of hamule, which is less than a third as long as the hamule is wide. Also differs from Z. flavicosta from Sierra Leone, Liberia and Ghana by (3) the Hw membrane being darkly stained and not clear beside the membranule; (4) the more continuous pale thoracic markings, the stripe on the metepisternum not being broken between the metastigma and wing base, while that on the metepimeron is not invaded by black posteriorly to appear T-shaped; and (5) the straighter cerci. [Adapted from Dijkstra, Kipping & Mézière 2015]

Habitat description

Rivers in open areas in forest. Probably especially faster sections (rapids, falls), often with rocks. Recorded at around 100 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].