Notogomphus cobyae Dijkstra, 2015
Coby's Longleg

Type locality: Lake Awing, Cameroon

Diagnosis

Male recalls N. leroyi by its (a) largely black lower frons, clypeus and labrum; (b) broad and complete black interpleural stripes on the thorax as well as well-defined pale postdorsal and ante-humeral stripes separated clearly from each other; (c) the smoothly curved anterior border of the posterior hamule; (d) the convergent cerci that gradually widen from base, being widest one-quarter of their length from the abruptly narrowed apex, with the ventral tooth directed straight downwards, not visible in dorsal view; and (e) the strongly diverging branches of the epiproct. Differs in (1) its small size, Hw 28.5 mm (n = 1) rather than 31.0-34.0 mm (n = 4); (2) the absence of pale basal spots on the black labrum; (3) the wholly green occiput with a shallowly but distinctly W-shaped border, rather than black with rounded border; (4) the yellow of the collar extending between the middorsal carina and postdorsal stripes, being indistinctly separated from the latter; (5) the metapleural suture having at most a black trace at its dorsal end, rather than a broad black stripe along its full length; (6) the parallel-sided abdomen with S7-9 only slightly expanded and S8 about 1.5× as long as wide; and (7) having S8-9 black dorsally grading through rufous to yellow sides, rather than more uniformly dark rufous. The potentially sympatric N. maryae has a similar facial coloration and abdomen shape, but is larger (Hw 34 mm; n = 1) and has parallel-sided cerci with inwarddirected ventral teeth visible in dorsal view. [Adapted from Dijkstra, Kipping & Mézière 2015]

Habitat description

Not known well, but probably streams shaded by or in open areas in forest. Probably often with coarse detritus. Recorded at around 2000 m above sea level.

Distribution

Head (front)

Thorax (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

• Dijkstra, K.-D.B., Mézière, N., and Kipping, J. (2015). Sixty new dragonfly and damselfly species from Africa (Odonata). Odonatologica, 44, 447-678.

Citation: Dijkstra, K.-D.B (editor). African Dragonflies and Damselflies Online. http://addo.adu.org.za/ [2024-04-16].