About Platycypha caligata (Selys, 1853)
Platycypha caligata, commonly known as the dancing jewel, is a species of damselfly belonging to the family Chlorocyphidae. This species can be found in eastern, central, and southern Africa, ranging from Ethiopia and Angola to South Africa. Its natural habitats are shady sections of subtropical or tropical streams and rivers located within forest, woodland, savanna, and shrubland areas, as well as the shorelines of lakes. Males of this species perform striking territorial and courtship displays. These displays involve flashing and vibrating their brightly colored legs (a movement referred to as foot waggling), which feature flattened tibiae, and waving their abdomens. Experiments that altered the color of the tibiae revealed that the anterior and posterior tibial colors have distinct functions. The white coloration on the anterior tibia is critical during courtship, as it is needed to attract mates and successfully complete tandem formation. Similarly, the red coloration on the posterior tibia is required for territorial signaling to other males.
