Trithetrum congoense (Aguesse, 1966)
Sooty Darter

Synonyms:

  • scientific: Sympetrum navasi Lacroix, 1921 ssp. congoense

Type locality: foret de la Tsiama, Congo

Diagnosis

Male is similar to T. navasi by (a) body parts uniform: thorax unmarked; frons without band; mid and hind femur all black; S1-10 unmarked; (b) venation blackish; (c) Fw discoidal field 5-8 cells wide on wing border. However, differs by (1) entire body blackish, sometimes lightly pruinose; (2) lobe of hamule elongate, not angled anteriorly, its tip extending beyond genital lobe. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014]

Habitat description

Mostly rivers, but also streams, standing waters and possibly flowing channels in marshes, in open areas in forest. Often with blackwater, usually with emergent vegetation. From 200 to 500 m above sea level.

Distribution

confirmed: Congo-Brazzaville; Democratic Republic of the Congo; Gabon


Male © KD Dijkstra


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.


Barcode specimen(s):


Male; Democratic Republic of Congo, Province Equateur, Lower Itimbiri © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.


Male; Democratic Republic of Congo, Province Equateur, Lower Itimbiri © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.


Male; Democratic Republic of Congo, Province Orientale, © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.


Male; Democratic Republic of Congo, Province Orientale, © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.


Male; Gabon, Haut-Ogooué, Franceville-Okondja Road © Dijkstra, K.-D.B., Nicolas Mézière & Cédric Vanappelghem

Reference

  • Aguesse, P. (1966). Contribution à la faune de Congo (Brazzaville) Mission A. Villiers et A. Descarpentries XXI. Odonates. Bulletin de l'Institut fondamental d'Afrique noire, 28, 783-797. [PDF file]

Citation: Dijkstra, K.-D.B (editor). African Dragonflies and Damselflies Online. http://addo.adu.org.za/ [2024-03-28].