Copera congolensis (Martin, 1908)
Congo Featherleg

Synonyms:

• scientific: Platycnemis congolensis

Type locality: Akula, Bangala, Congo

Diagnosis

Male similar to C. nyansana by (a) larger size, Hw 17-21 mm; (b) thorax with pale speckles and complete antehumeral stripe; (c) legs yellow and darkened at joints (‘ringed knees’); (d) S3-7 with pale basal and subapical rings (may be incomplete dorsally), giving abdomen annulated effect; (e) cerci distinctly shorter than paraprocts; (f) branches of cerci long, diverging from and usually falling (just) short of cerci tips. However, differs by (1) occurs from north-western Angola to western Gabon; (2) posterior border of pronotum drawn out into two slender vertical processes; (3) branches of cerci reach almost to tips of cerci.

Habitat description

Standing and probably often temporary waters, but possibly also seeps and springs, shaded by forest. Often with coarse detritus and a soft (like muddy) bottom. Inferred to occur from 0 to 300 m above sea level, but possibly up to 600.

Distribution

Appendages (dorsal view)

Appendages (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.

Barcode specimen(s):

References

• Martin, R. (1908). Voyages de feu Leonardo Fea dans l'Afrique Occi­dentale: Odonates. Annali Museo Civico Storia Naturale Genova, 43, 649-667. [PDF file]
• Schouteden, H. (1934). Annales Musee Congo belge Zoologie 3 Section 2, 3, 1-84. [PDF file]
• D' Andrea, M., and Carfi, S. (1997). Nuove raccolte di odonati del Camerun con note su Agriocnemis maclachlani Selys, 1877 edescrizione di Agriocnemis dissimilis sp. nov. e Trithemis osvaldae sp. nov. Atti Societa italiana Scienze naturali, 136, 157-190. [PDF file]

Citation: Dijkstra, K.-D.B (editor). African Dragonflies and Damselflies Online. http://addo.adu.org.za/ [2024-10-13].