Paragomphus lacustris (Karsch, 1890)
Tanganyika Hooktail

Type locality: Lake Tanganyika, Tanzania/Zambia

Diagnosis

Male is similar to P. lacustris by (a) occcurring at streams, rivers and lakes in tropical Africa; (b) labrum pale, at most vaguely darkened at base; (c) thorax yellow to green with more prominent brown to black markings, that on metastigma ends just dorsal of it; (d) Pt brown, not contrasting with black veins; (e) S8-9 with broad foliations; (f) cerci less slender, apex blunt, without or with one tooth; (g) cerci without distinct ventral ridge; epiproct about 1/3 as long as cerci. However, differs by (1) relatively smaller size, Hw 21-25 mm; (2) dark markings fainter, not defining clear pale postdorsal and antehumeral stripes; (3) cerci thicker, apex with prominent black ventral tooth. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014; this diagnosis not yet verified by author]

Habitat description

Not known, but probably large lakes in open landscapes. Probably often with a sandy bottom. From 500 to 1000 m above sea level.

Distribution

confirmed: Democratic Republic of the Congo; Tanzania

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.


References

  • Karsch, F. (1890). Über Gomphiden. Entomologische Nachrichten, 16, 70-382.
  • Pinhey, E.C.G. (1961). Dragonflies (Odonata) of Central Africa. Occasional Papers Rhodes-Livingstone Museum, 14, 1-97. [PDF file]
  • Schouteden, H. (1934). Annales Musee Congo belge Zoologie 3 Section 2, 3, 1-84. [PDF file]

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