Gynacantha (B) nigeriensis (Gambles, 1956)
Yellow-legged Duskhawker

Synonyms:

  • scientific: G. flavipes Fraser, 1956; G. sevastopuloi (Pinhey, 1961)

Type locality: Vom, Nigeria

Diagnosis

Male is similar to G. usambarica by (a) size, Hw 43-48; (b) frons with distinct black marking but no dots anterior to antennae; (c) genital fossa border with distinct rows of 8-20 denticles; (d) wing bases clear; (e) legs uniformly pale, including tarsi and joints; (f) S3 distinctly waisted near base; (g) ventral carinae S7-8 and usually S6 with denticles; (h) lateral carinae S8 normally with denticles, like ventral carinae; (i) cerci of rather even width throughout. However, differs by (1) ranging from Ethiopia, Uganda and NW Zambia to W Africa; (2) stem of mark on frons narrow rather than thick, 2x as long as wide; (3) outer border of auricles straight, making them triangular in shape, rather than convex and rounded; (4) venter S1 usually bare, rather than with denticles; (5) ventral carinae S8 often with denticles in 2-3 irregular rows, rather than just with 1 row. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014]

Habitat description

Standing and probably often temporary waters shaded by forest. Probably often with coarse detritus and a soft (like muddy) bottom. From 0 to 1600 m above sea level.

Distribution

confirmed: Benin; Cameroon; Congo-Brazzaville; Democratic Republic of the Congo; Ethiopia; Ghana; Liberia; Nigeria; Sierra Leone; Uganda; Zambia


© Viola Clausnitzer


© KD Dijkstra


Appendages (dorsal view)

Abdominal segment 2 (ventral view)

Head (dorsal 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.


Barcode specimen(s):


Male; Liberia, Nimba County, © Dijkstra, K.-D.B. & M. Darpay


Female; Sierra Leone, Eastern Province, Gola Forest © Dijkstra, K.-D.B. & A. Dayeker


Female; Liberia, Grand Gedeh County, Putu Iron Ore Mining concession © Dijkstra, K.-D.B. & A. Dayeker


Male; Liberia, Grand Gedeh County, Putu Iron Ore Mining concession © Dijkstra, K.-D.B. & A. Dayeker

References

  • Gambles, R.M. (1956). A new species of Acanthagyna Kirby, 1890 (Odon., Aeshnidae) from North Nigeria. Entomologists Monthly Magazine, 92, 194-196. [PDF file]
  • Pinhey, E.C.G. (1962). New or little-known dragonflies (Odonata) of Central and Southern Africa. Occasional Papers National Museum Southern Rhodesia, 26, 892-911. [PDF file]
  • Fraser, F.C. (1956). Pseudagrion superbum, Gynacantha flavipes and Gynacantha immaculifrons, three new species of Odonata from the Belgian Congo. Revue Zoologie Botanique Africaines, 54, 382-387. [PDF file]
  • Pinhey, E.C.G. (1962). Some records of Odonata collected in tropical Africa. Journal Entomological Society Southern Africa, 25, 20-50. [PDF file]
  • Pinhey, E.C.G. (1966). Notes on African Odonata, particularly type material. Revue Zoologie Botanique Africaines, 73, 283-308. [PDF file]

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