Copera marginipes

Copera marginipes is a species of [[damselfly]] belonging to the family [[Platycnemididae]]. It is commonly known as the Yellow Waxtail or Yellow Featherleg. This slender insect is widely distributed across various parts of Southeast Asia and is characterized by its distinctive yellow coloration and leg features.

Taxonomy

• Kingdom: [[Animalia]]
• Phylum: [[Arthropoda]]
• Class: [[Insecta]]
• Order: [[Odonata]]
• Family: [[Platycnemididae]] (also sometimes listed under Coenagrionidae in older classifications)
• Genus: ''[[Copera]]''
• Species: ''C. marginipes'' (Rambur, 1842)

The genus ''Copera'' falls under the "featherleg" damselfly family, Platycnemididae, which is known for some species possessing flattened or widened tibia on their legs. The specific epithet "marginipes" likely refers to features of its leg margins.

Description

''Copera marginipes'' is a relatively small to medium-sized damselfly, typically measuring around 35-45 mm in length.

• Body: Males usually exhibit a bright yellow body, contrasted with black stripes or patterns along the dorsal side of the thorax and abdomen. The abdominal segments often feature distinctive black rings or markings.
• Legs: A key identifying feature, particularly in males, is the presence of bright yellow legs. While it belongs to the "featherleg" family, the widening or flattening of the tibiae in ''C. marginipes'' is often less pronounced compared to some other members of Platycnemididae, yet still noticeable, contributing to the common name "Yellow Featherleg".
• Wings: The wings are generally clear (hyaline) and possess a dark [[pterostigma]].
• Female: Females typically resemble males but often display duller coloration, leaning towards greenish or brownish tones rather than vivid yellow, and their abdominal markings may be less distinct.

Habitat and Distribution

''Copera marginipes'' boasts a broad distribution throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia.

• Distribution: Its range spans countries including [[India]], [[Sri Lanka]], [[Myanmar]], [[Thailand]], [[Malaysia]], [[Singapore]], [[Indonesia]], and parts of [[China]].
• Habitat: This species shows a strong preference for habitats with slow-moving or stagnant fresh water. Common locations include:
  • Ponds
  • Marshes and swamps
  • Rice paddies
  • Slow-flowing streams and rivers They typically inhabit areas rich in aquatic and emergent vegetation, which provides essential perching sites and cover from predators.

Behavior and Ecology

Like other damselflies, ''Copera marginipes'' is a [[predator]] in both its larval (nymph) and adult stages.

• Nymphs: The aquatic nymphs are ambush predators, feeding on small aquatic invertebrates.
• Adults: Adult damselflies are agile flyers that hunt smaller flying insects, which they catch in mid-air.
• Reproduction: Males establish and defend small territories near water bodies to attract females for mating. Mating typically involves the characteristic "wheel" formation. Females lay their eggs (oviposit) into the tissues of aquatic vegetation, usually just beneath the water surface.

Conservation Status

Currently, ''Copera marginipes'' is generally considered a common and widespread species across its range. While not specifically assessed by the [[IUCN Red List]] as endangered, its adaptability to various freshwater habitats, including those modified by human activity like rice paddies, suggests a relatively stable status. However, local populations can be adversely affected by habitat degradation, water pollution, and extensive use of pesticides.

See Also

• [[Odonata]]
• [[Damselfly]]
• [[Platycnemididae]]

References

• Subramanian, K. A. (2009). Damselflies and Dragonflies of India – A field guide. Indian Academy of Sciences, Bengaluru.
• K.D.P.P. Kumarasinghe. (2020). Dragonflies and Damselflies (Odonata) of Sri Lanka: A Field Guide.
• Choong, C.Y. (2018). A Guide to the Dragonflies and Damselflies of Singapore. National Parks Board, Singapore.

External Links

• [https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/67864-Copera-marginipes Copera marginipes on iNaturalist]
• [http://www.asia-dragonfly.net/species.php?group_id=27&category_id=107&species_id=146 Copera marginipes on Asia-Dragonfly.net]