Trithemis leakeyi (Pinhey, 1956)
Mealy Dropwing

Synonyms:

  • scientific: Porpacithemis leakeyi

Type locality: Abercorn [= Mbala], Zambia

Diagnosis

Male is similar to T. apicalis by (a) labrum often largely black; (b) Fw discoidal field partly of 2 cell-rows; 3 cell-rows between anal loop and tornus; (c) no cell-doublings in radial planate (count those cells touching Rspl, but not IR3) [0-1]; (d) arculus often at Ax2 or distal to it, especially in Hw; (e) Hw base clear, yellow or brown, colour is usually brown if it extends beyond Cux; (f) venation largely dark, brown to black, like veins of Pt; (g) hamule with posterior border humped, hook thereby shortened; (h) Abd largely black, often with some pale markings, appears blue pruinose or black with maturity; (i) cerci of normal proportions, ventral angle lies 1/3 of cercus length from apex. However, differs by (1) smaller size, Hw 22-26 mm; (2) dorsum of frons pale with black basal band; (3) Abd broad, S4 under 3x as long as wide, S5-7 or even S1-8 white pruinose with maturity, in contrast with thorax. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014; this diagnosis not yet verified by author]

Habitat description

Standing waters, but possibly also rivers, in open landscapes. Usually with emergent vegetation, often a sandy bottom, and probably boggy. From 1100 to 1700 m above sea level.

Distribution

confirmed: Angola; Democratic Republic of the Congo; Zambia


Male © Jens Kipping

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.


Reference

  • Pinhey, E.C.G. (1956). Some dragonflies of east and central Africa and a rarity from Mauritius. Occasional Papers Coryndon Memorial Museum, 4, 17-41. [PDF file]

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