Platycypha fitzsimonsi

Platycypha fitzsimonsi
Male
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Odonata
Suborder: Zygoptera
Family: Chlorocyphidae
Genus: Platycypha
Species:
P. fitzsimonsi
Binomial name
Platycypha fitzsimonsi
Pinhey, 1950

Platycypha fitzsimonsi, the boulder jewel or Fitzsimon's jewel is a species of damselfly in the family Chlorocyphidae. It is endemic to South Africa where its natural habitats include wooded and forested streams and rivers.[2]

This is a fairly small species; 29–34 mm long with a wingspan of 46–54 mm. The mature male has an orange-red and black striped thorax and a distinctive red, black and blue abdomen. Females and immature males are dark brown and khaki.[2]

Like several other Chlocyphidae, males extend and vibrate their tibia displaying the white colouration (foot waggling) towards ovipositing females as a courtship display.[3]

  • Male
    Male
  • Males
    Males
  • Immature male
    Immature male
  • Immature male
    Immature male

References

  1. ^ Suhling, F. (2017). "Platycypha fitzsimonsi". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2017: e.T63208A75262122. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-3.RLTS.T63208A75262122.en. Retrieved 11 November 2021.
  2. ^ a b Tarboton, W.R.; Tarboton, M. (2005). A fieldguide to the damselflies of South Africa. ISBN 0620338784.
  3. ^ Richardson, H. M. (1982). "Courtship displays and mating behaviour of three species of Chlorocyphidae (Zygoptera)" (PDF). Odonatologica. 11 (1): 53–58.


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