Neurogomphus zambeziensis Cammaerts, 2004
Zambezi Siphontail

Type locality: Katambora-Zambezi R., Zambia

Diagnosis

Male is similar to N. cocytius by (a) ranging from Tanzania and Katanga to Namibia and South Africa; (b) labrum all dark; (c) occiput not notched in middle, although often denticulate, and at least partly dark, often with smooth border; (d) sides of thorax mainly pale; (e) humeral suture with broad dark stripe; (f) 11-17 Ax in Fw; (g) S4-6 usually with broad pale basal rings and/or pale dorsal stripes; (h) S10 slightly shorter than S9; (i) lateral tooth of cerci usually prominent, stands at most 1/3 of cercus length from apex. However, differs by (1) larger size, wih Hw 31-35 mm; (2) antehumeral stripe almost as long as mesepisternum; (3) interpleural stripe extends dorsally to metastigma, metapleural stripe complete; (4) posterior hamule with deep apical notch; (5) Fw Pt 2.9-3.6 mm; (6) anal triangle of 4 cells [3-4]. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014; this diagnosis not yet verified by author]

Habitat description

Rivers, and possibly flowing channels in marshes, shaded by gallery forest, but possibly also in open landscapes. Probably often with a soft (like muddy) bottom. From 0 to 1000 m above sea level.

Distribution

confirmed: Botswana; Mozambique; Namibia; Republic of South Africa; Tanzania; Zambia; Zimbabwe; NOT confirmed: Malawi


Male © Jens Kipping


Appendages (dorsal view)

Appendages (lateral view)

Abdominal segment 2 (lateral view)

Head (front)

Thorax (lateral view)

Thorax (dorsal 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.


Reference

  • Cammaerts, R. (2004). Taxonomic studies on African Gomphidae (Odonata, anisoptera). Arevision of the genus Neurogomphus Karsch, with the description of some larvae. Belgian Journal Entomology, 6, 91-239. [PDF file]

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