ADDO -- African Dragonflies and Damselflies Online

Gynacantha (B) pupillata Dijkstra, 2015
Spectacled Duskhawker

Type locality: Bomane, DRC

Diagnosis

Male belongs to the bullata-group by (a) the distinct black mark on the frons; (b) the pale rim of the metastigma; (c) the presence of brace veins below Pt; (d) the genital fossa border with distinct rows of 8-14 denticles; (e) S3 distinctly waisted near its base; (f) the lateral carinae of S8 normally with denticles, like the ventral carinae; and (g) the cerci of rather even width throughout. Nearest to G. nigeriensis and G. usambarica by (h) the uniformly pale legs; and (i) the ventral carinae of S7-8 and sometimes S6 with denticles. However, is (1) smaller, Hw 41.0-44.0 mm (n = 7) rather than 43.0-48.0 mm (n = 33); (2) duller in colour, with an olive rather than grass green thorax, and at most the plate between Hw bases and a dorsal pair of spots on the apex of S2 blue; (3) the frons bears an isolated black dot anterior to each antenna; (4) the wing bases have distinct dark rays to Ax1-2; and (5) all wings have 5-14 cells doubled between R2 and R3 proximal to the brace vein, i.e. forming 2 cell rows. The dull colour, dotted frons and doubled cell rows are unique within the group. [Adapted from Dijkstra, Kipping & Mézière 2015]

Habitat description

Standing and probably often temporary waters shaded by forest. Probably often with coarse detritus and a soft (like muddy) bottom. From 0 to 500 m above sea level.

Distribution

confirmed: Cameroon; Congo-Brazzaville; Democratic Republic of the Congo; Liberia; Sierra Leone

Male © KD Dijkstra

Appendages (dorsal view)

Frons (dorsal 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.