Paragomphus cognatus, the rock hooktail, is a species of dragonfly in the family Gomphidae.

Paragomphus cognatus
Male
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Odonata
Infraorder: Anisoptera
Family: Gomphidae
Genus: Paragomphus
Species:
P. cognatus
Binomial name
Paragomphus cognatus
(Rambur, 1842)

Distribution

edit

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

Habitat

edit

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

Identification

edit

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]

Habits

edit

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

References

edit
  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. Retrieved 17 November 2021.
  2. ^ a b 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.