Paragomphus zambeziensis Pinhey, 1961
Zambezi Hooktail

Type locality: Chirundu Bridge, Zimbabwe

Diagnosis

Male is similar to P. acuminatus and P. sabicus by (a) anterior hamule bow-shaped; (b) apices of cerci slender, tapered, finely pointed; (c) epiproct reaches about midpoint of cerci, without distinct median knobs (lateral view). However, differs by (1) dorsum thorax brown, postdorsal stripe fused to collar like inverted 7, sides mainly pale with dark lines on sutures; (2) posterior border of genital fossa with about 10 slender denticles; (3) Pt brown; (4) cerci with tooth-like thickening halfway along inner border (dorsal view); (5) epiproct with sharp lateral points (ventral view). [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014; this diagnosis not yet verified by author]

Habitat description

Rivers shaded by gallery forest, but sometimes in open landscapes. Often with a sandy bottom, probably especially faster sections with rocks. Only recorded at around 300 and 900 m above sea level.

Distribution

confirmed: Central African Republic; Zambia; Zimbabwe


Male © Jens Kipping


Appendages (dorsal view)

Appendages (lateral view)

Secondary genitalia (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

  • Pinhey, E.C.G. (1961). Dragonflies collected on an expedition from Rhodesia to Nigeria in 1958. Part 1. Entomologists Monthly Magazine, 96, 256-271. [PDF file]
  • Pinhey, E.C.G. (1961). Dragonflies (Odonata) of Central Africa. Occasional Papers Rhodes-Livingstone Museum, 14, 1-97. [PDF file]

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