Paragomphus sabicus Pinhey, 1950
Flapper Hooktail

Synonyms:

  • scientific: P. fritillarius (Selys, 1892) ssp. sabicus
  • vernacular: Clubbed H.

Type locality: Sabi valley, Zimbabwe

Diagnosis

Male is similar to P. acuminatus by (a) anterior hamule bow-shaped; (b) Pt black; (c) cerci slenderly tapered throughout, at least 1.5x as long as S10, apices of cerci diverge, are slender, tapered, and finely pointed; (d) epiproct laterally rounded, longer and, almost as long as S10 or longer, not so strongly curved upwards; epiproct reaches about midpoint of cerci, without distinct median knobs (lateral view). However, differs by (1) ranging from Kenya to South Africa; (2) occiput yellow rather than black; (3) labrum yellow with black base; (4) thorax black with 3 broad pale stripes and between them 2 series of spots; (5) anterior hamule with gradual rather than rectangular curve; (6) border of genital fossa without denticles[Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014; this diagnosis not yet verified by author]

Habitat description

Mostly rivers, but also streams, shaded by gallery forest, but sometimes in open landscapes. Often with a sandy bottom and probably rocks. From 0 to 1200 m above sea level.

Distribution

confirmed: Botswana; Kenya; Malawi; Mozambique; Namibia; Republic of South Africa; Swaziland; Tanzania; Zambia; Zimbabwe


Male © Jens Kipping


Appendages (dorsal view)

Appendages (lateral view)

Abdominal segment 2 (lateral view)

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.


References

  • Pinhey, E.C.G. (1950). New species of Odonata from southern Africa. Annals Transvaal Museum, 21, 260-272. [PDF file]
  • Pinhey, E.C.G. (1961). Dragonflies (Odonata) of Central Africa. Occasional Papers Rhodes-Livingstone Museum, 14, 1-97. [PDF file]

Citation: Dijkstra, K.-D.B (editor). African Dragonflies and Damselflies Online. http://addo.adu.org.za/ [2024-03-29].