Paragomphus sinaiticus (Morton, 1929)
Desert Hooktail
Type locality: Sinai, Egypt
Diagnosis
Male is similar to P. elpidius and P. lacustris by (a) Hw 22-26 mm; (b) labrum pale, at most vaguely darkened at base; (c) Pt brown, not contrasting with black veins; (d) S8-9 with broad foliations; (e) cerci without distinct ventral ridge; less slender, apex blunt and without or with several teeth; (f) epiproct about 1/3 as long as cerci. However, differs by (1) occurring at desert pools in Arabia and the Sahara; (2) thorax pale yellow with contrasting black bands, including a complete band running through metastigma towards Fw base; (3) apex of cerci pale with 3-4 scattered blunt black teeth. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014; this diagnosis not yet verified by author]
Habitat description
Not known well, but possibly standing waters or streams in open landscapes. Often calmer sections (like permanent pools in wadis) with a soft (like muddy) bottom and probably emergent vegetation and rocks. Inferred to occur from 100 to 1100 m above sea level.
Distribution
Male © Hans Pelny
 Appendages (dorsal view) |
 Appendages (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.
Reference
- Morton, K.J. (1929). Odonata from the Sinai Peninsula, Suez and Palestine, including a new species of Mesogomphus. Entomologists Monthly Magazine, 65, 60-63. [PDF file]
Citation: Dijkstra, K.-D.B (editor). African Dragonflies and Damselflies Online. http://addo.adu.org.za/ [2024-10-06].
