Mastigogomphus dissimilis (Cammaerts, 2004)
Southern Snorkeltail

Synonyms:

  • scientific: Neurogomphus dissimilis

Type locality: Katombora Rapids, Katombora, Zambezi River, Zimbabwe

Diagnosis

Male is similar to M. pinheyi by (a) posterior hamule slender with round apex, rather than stout with square apex; (b) S10 and appendages usually black or dark brown, but sometimes S10 paler laterally. However, differs by (1) ranging from Malawi to Namibia; (2) Abd with contrasting pale and dark areas on each segment; (3) cerci thickened with ventral bulge before apex (lateral view). [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014]

Habitat description

Not known well, but probably mostly rivers in open landscapes. Mostly with a soft (like muddy) bottom. Recorded at around 700 m above sea level, but possibly also higher up.

Distribution

confirmed: Malawi; Zambia; Zimbabwe

Appendages (dorsal view)

Appendages (lateral view)

Abdominal segment 2 (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.


Reference

  • Cammaerts, R. (2004). Taxonomic studies on African Gomphidae (Odonata, anisoptera). Arevision of the genus Neurogomphus Karsch, with the description of some larvae. Belgian Journal Entomology, 6, 91-239. [PDF file]

Citation: Dijkstra, K.-D.B (editor). African Dragonflies and Damselflies Online. http://addo.adu.org.za/ [2024-03-28].