Notogomphus praetorius (Selys, 1878)
Yellowjack Longleg
Type locality: Transvaal, South Africa
Diagnosis
Male is similar to N. zernyi by (a) ranging from S Tanzania to South Africa; (b) face all pale, at most with thin dark line on frons or at base postclypeus; (c) antehumeral stripe broad; (d) interpleural suture usually with black stripe between metastigma and wing base; (e) postdorsal stripes separate from pale area of middorsal carina; (f) costa pale; (g) ventral teeth of cerci directed downwards, not visible in dorsal view. However, differs by (1) ranging from South Africa to Katanga and Malawi; (2) larger size, Hw 29-32 mm; (3) pale ‘posthumeral’ stripe present posterior to humeral stripe; (4) postdorsal stripe forms continuous band across mesepisternum; (5) cerci diverge at base, their elongate apices bent abruptly inwards, rather than cerci being parallel; (6) ventral tooth of cerci small rather than large. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014; this diagnosis not yet verified by author]
Habitat description
Rivers, but possibly also streams, shaded by gallery forest, but also in open landscapes. Probably often with coarse detritus and rocks. From 0 to 2100 m above sea level, but mostly between 800 and 1900.
Distribution
Male © Jens Kipping
 Appendages (dorsal view) |
 Appendages (lateral view) |
 Head (front) |
 Thorax (lateral view) |
 Thorax (dorsal view) |
 Occiput (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.
Barcode specimen(s):
Male; Democratic Republic of Congo, Katanga, Kundelungu National Park © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.
Male; Democratic Republic of Congo, Katanga, Kundelungu National Park © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.
Female; Democratic Republic of Congo, Katanga, Kundelungu National Park © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.
Adult, female; Zimbabwe, Manicaland, Chimanimani National Park © Dijkstra, K.-D.B.
References
- Pinhey, E.C.G. (1961). Dragonflies (Odonata) of Central Africa. Occasional Papers Rhodes-Livingstone Museum, 14, 1-97. [PDF file]
- Schouteden, H. (1934). Annales Musee Congo belge Zoologie 3 Section 2, 3, 1-84. [PDF file]
- Lieftinck, M.A. (1969). Odonates Anisoptères - Odonata Anisoptera. Explor. hydrob. Lac Bangweolo and Luapula, 14, 1-64. [PDF file]
Citation: Dijkstra, K.-D.B (editor). African Dragonflies and Damselflies Online. http://addo.adu.org.za/ [2024-10-15].
