Paragomphus cognatus, the rock hooktail, is a species of dragonfly in the family Gomphidae.
| Paragomphus cognatus | |
|---|---|
| |
| Male | |
Scientific 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
editIt is found in Africa, from South Africa to Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and Kenya.[2]
Habitat
editIts natural habitats are streams and rivers in a wide variety of vegetation types, including fynbos and grassland, savanna and forest.[2]
Identification
editMale: 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
editFrequents rocky streams, rivers, river-pools. Typically perches on mid-stream rocks.
References
edit- ^ 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.
- ^ a b Dijkstra, K.-D.B. "ADDO -- African Dragonflies and Damselflies Online". www.zoology.uct.ac.za. Retrieved 26 April 2017.
- ^ 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.