View the above photo record (by Nick Hart) in OdonataMAP here.
Family Chlorocyphidae
Chlorocypha consueta – RUBY JEWEL
Identification
Small size
Length up to 31mm; Wingspan attains 56mm.
Males are unmistakable within the sub-region.
Told apart from Platycypha caligata (Dancing Jewel) and Platycypha fitzsimonsi (Boulder Jewel) by having a vivid, all red abdomen and thin dark coloured legs. The Platycypha jewels have vivid blue on the upper surface of the abdomen and broad, flattened lower legs that are white on the inner surface and red on the outside.
Females are very similar to those of the Platycypha jewels, and are best identified by their association with the males.
Click here for more details on identification.
Mulanje, Malawi
Photo by Gary Brown
Habitat
Inhabits forested streams and rivers with clear, flowing water and dappled light.
Behaviour
Sits close to the water on rocks, tree roots or on overhanging vegetation. Reluctant to fly.
On the wing from November to May
Status and Conservation
The continued presence of this species in South Africa is uncertain. In the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species it is listed as Critically Endangered for South Africa, but overall as of Least Concern.
Distribution
There is currently no distribution map for this species. More data is required.
The Ruby Jewel has a disjunct distribution in South-East Africa. Occurs in southern DRC, northern Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania and the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe and neighbouring Mozambique.
There are three old records for this species from northern and central KwaZulu-Natal. Subsequent searches have not lead to the rediscovery of the species in the country. It is doubtful weather this species is resident in South Africa.
