Tragogomphus grogonfla Dijkstra, 2015
Western Horntail

Type locality: Gola Forest, Sierra Leone

Diagnosis

Male is similar to T. ellioti and presumably the poorly known T. aurivillii by (a) fairly large size, Hw 31.0-33.0 mm (n = 2); (b) the pale medially narrowed bar across anterior half of the brown labrum; (c) the centrally depressed vertex, without a ridge between the lateral ocelli; (d) the denticles on the occipital ridge; (e) the anterior hamule’s short and curved hook on a low rounded base; (f) the wide-based cerci in lateral view with a subbasal hump and concave dorsal profile; and (g) the up-curved branches of the epiproct thickened and somewhat recurved subapically. However, (1) the dark interpleural and metapleural stripes are wider than the green stripes flanking them; (2) the most posterior black stripe on the thorax sides extends across the lower corner of the metepimeron, not dead-ended; (3) the epiproct branches have a marked dorsal angle subapically; and (4) the epiproct’s apices beyond the dorsal angle are short, not reaching beyond the tips of the cerci. [Adapted from Dijkstra, Kipping & Mézière 2015]

Habitat description

Headwater streams, but possibly also larger streams, shaded by forest. Often with a gravelly and/or sandy bottom and probably coarse detritus. From 100 to 900 m above sea level.

Distribution

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):

Reference

• Dijkstra, K.-D.B., Mézière, N., and Kipping, J. (2015). Sixty new dragonfly and damselfly species from Africa (Odonata). Odonatologica, 44, 447-678.

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