Paragomphus cognatus

Paragomphus cognatus (Rock Hooktail) is a species of dragonfly in the family Gomphidae.

Paragomphus cognatus
Male

Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Arthropoda
Class:
Insecta
Order:
Odonata
Family:
Gomphidae
Genus:
Paragomphus
Species:
P. cognatus
Binomial name
Paragomphus cognatus
(Rambur, 1842)

Distribution

It is found in Africa, from South Africa to Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and Kenya.[2]

Habitat

Its natural habitats are streams and rivers in a wide variety of vegetation types, including fynbos and grassland, savanna and forest.[2]

Identification

Male: Key features for identification of the males are the shape of the cerci (appendages at the end of the abdomen of males) and the pattern of the markings on the thorax. The ends of the cerci diverge, and they are thick and truncate. In southern Africa (south of 15°S), the shape of the cerci separate this species from other dragonflies.[3]

  • Male rock hooktail; side view
  • Male
  • Male abdomen: S9, S10, cerci and epiproct

Habits

Frequents rocky streams, rivers, river-pools. Typically perches on mid-stream rocks.

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References
  1. Clausnitzer, V.; Dijkstra, K.-D.B. & Suhling, F. (2016). "Paragomphus cognatus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T59974A85810583. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T59974A85810583.en.
  2. Dijkstra, K.-D.B. "ADDO -- African Dragonflies and Damselflies Online". www.zoology.uct.ac.za. Retrieved 26 April 2017.
  3. Dijkstra, K.-D.B.; Clausnitzer, V. (2014). The dragonflies and damselflies of eastern Africa. Tervuren: Royal Museum for Central Africa. ISBN 978-94-916-1506-1.


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