Paragomphus acuminatus Fraser, 1949
Congo Hooktail

Synonyms:

  • scientific: P. fritillarius (Selys, 1892) ssp. acuminatus

Type locality: Eala, DRC

Diagnosis

Male is similar to P. sabicus by (a) anterior hamule bow-shaped; (b) Pt black; (c) cerci slenderly tapered throughout, at least 1.5x as long as S10, apices of cerci diverge, are slender, tapered, and finely pointed; (d) epiproct laterally rounded, longer and, almost as long as S10 or longer, not so strongly curved upwards; epiproct reaches about midpoint of cerci, without distinct median knobs (lateral view). However, differs by (1) labrum all deep brown rather than yellow with black base; (2) occiput black rather than yellow; (3) thorax dark brown rather than black, with 3 narrow pale stripes on each side; (4) posterior border of genital fossa with 4-6 stout denticles, rather than without denticles; (5) anterior hamule with rectangular, rather than gradual curve; (6) being restricted to the Congo Basin. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014; this diagnosis not yet verified by author]

Habitat description

Rivers in open areas in forest. Probably often with a sandy and/or soft (like muddy) bottom. From 200 to 500 m above sea level.

Distribution

confirmed: Congo-Brazzaville; Democratic Republic of the Congo; NOT confirmed: Zambia

Appendages (dorsal view)

Appendages (lateral view)

Abdominal segment 2 (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.


Barcode specimen(s):


Male; Democratic Republic of Congo, Province Orientale, © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.


Male; Democratic Republic of Congo, Province Orientale, © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.

References

  • Fraser, F.C. (1949). Gomphidae from the Belgian Congo (order Odonata). Revue Zoologie Botanique Africaines, 42, 101-138. [PDF file]
  • Pinhey, E.C.G. (1966). Notes on African Odonata, particularly type material. Revue Zoologie Botanique Africaines, 73, 283-308. [PDF file]

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