Aethiothemis circe (Ris, 1910)
Golden-winged Flasher

Synonyms:

  • scientific: Lokia circe

Type locality: Mayumbe, DRC

Diagnosis

Male is similar to A. coryndoni by (a) larger size, Hw 24-35 mm; (b) labrum pale brown, like labium and anteclypeus; (c) thorax more uniform, at most with black stripes along middorsal carina, humeral and dorsal half of metapleural suture, may become entirely dark and/or pruinose with age; (d) Fw triangle of 2 cells, subtriangle of 3-4, but both sometimes just of 1; (e) distal Ax in Fw usually incomplete; (f) subcostal cross-veins dark, like subcosta and median vein; (g) tibiae and femora quite uniformly brown to black; (h) Abd broad, S3 at most 1.5x as long as wide (dorsal view), and gradually tapered; (i) venter of Abd deep orange to red with maturity. However, differs by (1) hook of hamule wide rather than narrow; (2) wings yellow beyond Ax2, often entirely deep yellow, rather than clear with base yellow; (3) S4 rectangular rather than square, and about 1.5x as long as wide. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014]

Habitat description

Not known, but probably standing waters or streams shaded by forest. From 0 to 700 m above sea level.

Distribution

confirmed: Congo-Brazzaville; Democratic Republic of the Congo

Abdomen (dorsal view)

Abdomen (lateral view)

Abdominal segment 2 (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.


References

  • Ris, F. (1910). Libellulinen 2. Fasc. X in Collections Zoologiques du Baron Edm. de Selys Longchamps. Brussels: Institut royal des Sciences naturelles de Belgique, 10, 121-244.
  • Schouteden, H. (1934). Annales Musee Congo belge Zoologie 3 Section 2, 3, 1-84. [PDF file]
  • Fraser, F.C. (1953). New genera and species of Libellulines from the Belgian Congo. Revue Zoologie Botanique Africaines, 48, 242-256. [PDF file]

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