Paragomphus cognatus (Rambur, 1842)
Rock Hooktail
Synonyms:
- scientific: P. dicksoni Pinhey, 1969
- vernacular: Boulder H.
Type locality: Oudebosch, near river Zonderend (Cape Province), South Africa
Diagnosis
Male is similar to P. serrulatus by (a) pale thoracic markings uniformly yellow to greenish; (b) postdorsal stripes well-separated from collar; (c) anterior hamule hook-shaped; (d) costa at least black anterior to Pt; (e) outer border of anal triangle at most roundly and shallowly excavated at its most distal cell; (f) S5-6 usually extensively pale marked; (g) cerci parallel-sided or widened at apex, sometimes with spine; (h) apices of cerci thick, truncate, often coarsely toothed; (i) epiproct does not reach midpoint of cerci, with distinct median knobs. However, differs by (1) ranging from NE DRC and Kenya to South Africa; (2) metepisternal pale stripe usually interrupted somewhat above metastigma, often broken up into three spots; (3) dorsal borders of apical segment of penis (usually well-visible in preserved specimens) smooth, rather than with prominent hooks on each side; (4) apex of cerci broader, with several coarse teeth of equal size; (5) epiproct almost as wide as long (ventral view). [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014; this diagnosis not yet verified by author]
Habitat description
Mostly streams, but also rivers, in open landscapes, open areas in forest or shaded by gallery forest. Usually with rocks and often a gravelly and/or sandy bottom. Inferred to occur from 0 to 2400 m above sea level, but mostly below 1700.
Distribution
Male © Erland Nielsen
 Appendages (dorsal view) |
 Appendages (lateral view) |
 Abdomen (lateral view) |
 Head (front) |
Map citation: Clausnitzer, V., K.-D.B. Dijkstra, R. Koch, J.-P. Boudot, W.R.T. Darwall, J. Kipping, B. Samraoui, M.J. Samways, J.P. Simaika & F. Suhling, 2012. Focus on African Freshwaters: hotspots of dragonfly diversity and conservation concern. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment 10: 129-134.
Barcode specimen(s):
Male; Tanzania, Kigoma Region, Lower Malagarasi Basin © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.
Male; Tanzania, Tanga Region, East Usambara Mts © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.
Female; Democratic Republic of Congo, Katanga, Kundelungu National Park © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.
Male; Democratic Republic of Congo, Katanga, Kundelungu National Park © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.
Adult, male; South Africa, Western Cape, Kogelberg Nature Reserve © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.
Adult, female; South Africa, Western Cape, Kogelberg Nature Reserve © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.
Adult, male; South Africa, Western Cape, Kogelberg Nature Reserve © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.
Adult, male; South Africa, Western Cape, © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.
Adult, male; Zimbabwe, Manicaland, © Tarboton, W.
Adult, female; Zimbabwe, Manicaland, © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.
Adult, male; Zimbabwe, Manicaland, © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.
References
- Rambur, P. (1842). Histoire Naturelle des Insectes. Neuroptères. Insectes Neuroptères. Paris: Librairie Encyclopédique de Roret xvii, pp.534.
- Pinhey, E.C.G. (1961). Dragonflies (Odonata) of Central Africa. Occasional Papers Rhodes-Livingstone Museum, 14, 1-97. [PDF file]
- Pinhey, E.C.G. (1966). Check-list of dragonflies (Odonata) from Malawi, with description of a new Teinobasis Kirby. Arnoldia, 2, 1-24. [PDF file]
- Barnard, K.H. (1937). Notes on dragon-flies (Odonata) of the S. W. Cape with descriptions of the nymphs and of new species. Annals South African Museum, 32, 169-260. [PDF file]
- Longfield, C. (1959). The Odonata of N. Angola. Part II. Publicacoes culturais Companhia Diamantes Angola, 45, 13-42. [PDF file]
- Fraser, F.C. (1949). Gomphidae from the Belgian Congo (order Odonata). Revue Zoologie Botanique Africaines, 42, 101-138. [PDF file]
- Schouteden, H. (1934). Annales Musee Congo belge Zoologie 3 Section 2, 3, 1-84. [PDF file]
- Pinhey, E.C.G. (1966). Notes on African Odonata, particularly type material. Revue Zoologie Botanique Africaines, 73, 283-308. [PDF file]
- Lieftinck, M.A. (1969). Odonates Anisoptères - Odonata Anisoptera. Explor. hydrob. Lac Bangweolo and Luapula, 14, 1-64. [PDF file]
Citation: Dijkstra, K.-D.B (editor). African Dragonflies and Damselflies Online. http://addo.adu.org.za/ [2024-11-15].
