Copera rufipes (Selys, 1886)
Rusty Featherleg

Synonyms:

• scientific: Platycnemis rufipes; P. escherichi Schmidt, 1951

Type locality: Ekododo, Cameroon

Diagnosis

Male similar to C. guttifera by (a) larger size, Hw 17-21 mm; (b) S3-7 with pale basal and subapical rings (may be incomplete dorsally), giving abdomen annulated effect; (c) cerci almost as long as paraprocts; (d) branches of cerci long, lying close to and often surpassing cerci tips. However, differs by (1) occurring in Lower Guinea (Cameroon, Gabon); (2) thorax with smooth-edged black and pale stripes, including complete antehumeral stripe, at most speckled with a dot or two; (3) legs rufous; (4) branches of cerci with expanded tips.

Habitat description

Mostly standing and often temporary waters, but also seeps and springs, shaded by forest. Often with coarse detritus and a soft (like muddy) bottom. From 0 to 900 m above sea level, but mostly around 400.

Distribution

Appendages (dorsal view)	Appendages (lateral view)
Thorax (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):

Reference

• de Sélys-Longchamps, E. (1886). Révision du Synopsis des Agrionines. 1e partie (Légions Pseudostigma, Podagrion, Platycnemis et Protoneura). Memoires couronnes Academie royale Belgique, 38, 1-233.

Citation: Dijkstra, K.-D.B (editor). African Dragonflies and Damselflies Online. http://addo.adu.org.za/ [2024-11-15].