Diplacodes deminuta Lieftinck, 1969
Little Percher

Synonyms:

• scientific: D. okavangoensis Pinhey, 1976

Type locality: Samfya, Zambia

Diagnosis

Male is similar to D. pumila by (a) small size, Hw 15-21 mm; (b) becoming largely black with maturity, sometimes partly with pale grey pruinosity; (c) patch at Hw base at most deep amber; (d) Pt only about 2 mm. However, differs by (1) relatively shorter hook of hamule; (2) tip of epiproct usually closer to tip than ventral angle of cerci. Also, when body is not yet entirely black (3) mesepisternum yellowish, like sides of thorax; (4) S8 at most with small or indistinct pale spot, S9-10 all black. When body is all black (5) face often laterally or frontally yellow, rather than all black; (6) Pt whitish rather than brown; (7) only tip of epiproct and tips of cerci usually dark, rather than the entire epiproct as well as underside of the cerci. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014]

Habitat description

Standing and often temporary waters, rivers and possibly also flowing channels in marshes in open landscapes. Usually with emergent vegetation. From 0 to 1500 m above sea level.

Distribution

Appendages (lateral view)	Abdominal segment 2 (lateral view)
Abdominal segment 2 (o)

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):

References

• Lieftinck, M.A. (1969). Odonates Anisoptères - Odonata Anisoptera. Explor. hydrob. Lac Bangweolo and Luapula, 14, 1-64. [PDF file]
• Dijkstra, K.-D.B. (2006). African Diplacodes: the status of the small species and the genus Philonomon (Odonata: Libellulidae). International Journal of Odonatology, 9, 119-132. [PDF file]

Citation: Dijkstra, K.-D.B (editor). African Dragonflies and Damselflies Online. http://addo.adu.org.za/ [2024-04-17].