Genus Nepogomphoides Fraser, 1952
eastern horntails

Type species: Nepogomphoides pinheyi Fraser, 1952 [= stuhlmanni]

Introduction

This monotypic genus is confined to forest streams in the mountains of eastern Tanzania, southern Malawi and northern Mozambique. N. stuhlmanni is recognised by its small size (hindwing 23-26 mm), black labrum with double yellow spots, and spectacular appendages. Probably the species is related most closely to Tragogomphus (see Libyogomphus) of western Africa. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014]

Diagnosis

Male of genus is similar to Libyogomphus by (a) labrum often black with two contrasting pale dots, which are sometimes merged; (b) posterior hamule terminates in single large tooth directed anteriorly; (c) anal triangle of 4 cells [3-6], and anal loop of 1-2 cells present; (d) hind femur shorter than breadth of head; (e) cerci strongly down-curved, with rather blunt apices; (f) epiproct as long as or longer than cerci, and at most with dorsal teeth near base; (g) branches of epiproct touch or lie close to each other, often bear dorsal process between base and apex. However, differs by (1) ranging from NE Tanzania to S Malawi; (2) cerci and epiproct both with dorsal teeth near base (lateral view). [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014; this diagnosis not yet verified by author]

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

• Fraser, F.C. (1952). Notes on African Gomphidae with descriptions of four new species and a new genus (Order Odonata). Occasional Papers of the Coryndon Memorial Museum, 3, 3-12. [PDF file]
• Dijkstra, K.-D.B, and Clausnitzer, V. (2014). The Dragonflies and Damselflies of Eastern Africa: handbook for all Odonata from Sudan to Zimbabwe. Studies in Afrotropical Zoology, 298, 1-264.

Citation: Dijkstra, K.-D.B (editor). African Dragonflies and Damselflies Online. http://addo.adu.org.za/ [2024-10-30].