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.

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.

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

Gallery

  • Male
  • Males
  • Immature male
  • Immature male

External links

  • Media related to Platycypha fitzsimonsi at Wikimedia Commons
  • Data related to Platycypha fitzsimonsi at Wikispecies
  • on
  • Species text in the Online Atlas of South African Odonata