Paragomphus pumilio (Rambur, 1842)
Dwarf Hooktail

Type locality: Egypt, no locality data available.

Diagnosis

Male is similar to P. genei by (a) labrum pale, at most vaguely darkened at base; (b) Pt with maturity pale, contrasting with black veins; (c) S8-9 with broad foliations; (d) cerci slender, at least 1.5x as long as S10, apices of cerci parallel or apposed (dorsal view); (e) cerci with distinct ventral ridge; epiproct about ½ as long as cerci; (f) epiproct longer, almost as long as S10 or longer, not so strongly curved upwards. However, differs by (1) being restricted to rivers and lakes from N Kenya to Egypt; (2) smaller size, Hw 18-22 mm; (3) posterior hamule hook-shaped, its apex narrowed; (4) foliations all pale rather than dark-bordered; (5) cerci with smooth ventral ridge, apex blunt, with small subapical denticle. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014; this diagnosis not yet verified by author]

Habitat description

Mostly large rivers, but also large lakes, in open landscapes. Often with a sandy bottom. Inferred to occur from 0 to 600 m above sea level, but mostly below 600.

Distribution

confirmed: Egypt; Kenya; South Sudan; Sudan

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

  • Rambur, P. (1842). Histoire Naturelle des Insectes. Neuroptères. Insectes Neuroptères. Paris: Librairie Encyclopédique de Roret xvii, pp.534.
  • Aguesse, P. (1966). Contribution à la faune de Congo (Brazzaville) Mission A. Villiers et A. Descarpentries XXI. Odonates. Bulletin de l'Institut fondamental d'Afrique, 28, 783-797. [PDF file]

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