Genus Neurolestes Selys, 1882
African flatwings

Type species: Neurolestes trinervis Selys, 1885

Introduction

Two Neurolestes species confined to the Lower Guinea rainforest are the only representatives of the family Argiolestidae is mainland Africa. N. nigeriensis (hindwing 29-30 mm) was placed formerly in the Madagascan genus Nesolestes and is only known from mountains on the southern Nigeria-Cameroon border, while N. trinervis is widespread from western Cameroon through Gabon to western Congo-Brazzaville. The latter is a fairly large damselfly easily identified by the horizontal (or even raised) posture of wings and abdomen, combined with the orange markings on head and thorax. It is found at shady seep-like habitats, such as wet trickles and damp leaf-litter at swamp edges. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014]

Diagnosis

No diagnosis of this genus is presently available. Please refer to the references provided and the genus introduction for more information.

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.

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