Tetrathemis godiardi Lacroix, 1921
Western Elf

Type locality: Ghana, no locality data available.

Diagnosis

Male is typical of the scarcer rainforest (from W Kenya to W Africa) Tetrathemis species by (a) interpleural stripe runs from wing base to metastigma, parallel to metapleural and humeral stripes, sometimes partly fused with humeral; (b) never pruinose and wings always clear, although base may be yellow; (c) arculus usually at or distal to Ax2; (d) Hw supratriangles with 1 cross-vein; (e) bridge spaces with 1 cross-vein; (f) lateral pale spot on S1 adjoined to similar spot on S2; (g) cerci less than 3x as long as S10, rather straight. Close to T. ruwensoriensis by combination of (h) S10 at most as long as S9 (dorsal view); (i) cerci equal to or shorter than epiproct; (j) epiproct triangular, with rather narrow apex; but (1) cerci divergent, apices angulated; (2) epiproct less than 1.2x as long as cerci. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014]

Habitat description

Standing and mostly temporary waters, but possibly also streams, shaded by forest. Often pools in stream beds, usually with overhanging branches and coarse detritus, and often a soft (like muddy) bottom. From 100 to 800 m above sea level.

Distribution

confirmed: Cameroon; Ghana; Liberia; Nigeria; Republic of Guinea; Sierra Leone; NOT confirmed: Benin; Togo


© KD Dijkstra

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; Liberia, Nimba County, East Nimba Nature Reserve © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.


Male; Liberia, Nimba County, East Nimba Nature Reserve © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.


Female; Liberia, Grand Gedeh County, Putu Iron Ore Mining concession © Dijkstra, K.-D.B. & A. Dayeker

Reference

  • Lacroix, J. L. (1921). Deux Odonates nouvelles. Annales Societe Entomologique Belgique, 61, 378-379. [PDF file]

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