Notogomphus ruppeli (Selys, 1858)
Rüppell's Longleg

Synonyms:

• scientific: N. rueppeli

Type locality: Shoa, Ethiopia

Diagnosis

Male is similar to N. cottarelli by (a) being restricted to Ethiopia; (b) at least postclypeus and often labrum with dark markings, often largely dark; (c) antefrons pale, including lower part which contrasts with darker postclypeus; (d) border of occiput with high point in middle; (e) antehumeral stripe absent, indistinct or narrow and broken; (f) postdorsal stripes and collar fused into single straightish band along middorsal carina; (g) costa often dark; (h) branches of epiproct diverge widely (dorsal view). However, differs by (1) smaller size, Hw 27-28 mm; (2) middorsal carina largely lined with black, rather than only with black spot on tooth; (3) cerci slender and sinuous, widely separated at base (dorsal view), rather than strongly swollen at base, touching eachother. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014]

Habitat description

Streams shaded by, or in open areas in, forest. Often faster sections (rapids, falls) with a gravelly and/or sandy bottom and probably coarse detritus. From 1900 to 2900 m above sea level.

Distribution

Appendages (dorsal view)	Appendages (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.

References

• Sélys-Longchamps, E., and Hagen, H.A. (1858). Monographie des Gomphines. Muquardt, Bruxelles & Leipzig, Roret Paris, 11, 257-720.
• Consiglio, C. (1978). New and rare species of Notogomphus from Ethopia. Odonata collected in ethopia by the expeditions of the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei, 375, 53-58. [PDF file]
• Clausnitzer, V., and Dijkstra, K.-D.B. (2005). The dragonflies (Odonata) of Ethiopia, with notes on the status of endemic taxa and the description of a new species. Entomologische Zeitschrift, 115, 117-130. [PDF file]

Citation: Dijkstra, K.-D.B (editor). African Dragonflies and Damselflies Online. http://addo.adu.org.za/ [2024-10-31].