Onychogomphus forcipatus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Small Pincertail
Type locality: Europe, no locality data available.
Diagnosis
Best identified by exclusion: O. costae is almost devoid of black, while O. uncatus differs mainly in details of the thorax (see that species). Upper and lower appendages of similar length. Lower has two small dorsal tooth-like knobs at the base, as well as a dorsal knob near the tip. The subbasal knobs are shared only with O. uncatus; the subterminal knobs are unique. The uppers typically overlap at their tips, each bears a thumb-like dorsal lobe, lying just past the appendage’s bending point (visible from above or behind). The female has a small but distinct yellow(-tipped) tubercle behind each eye. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Lewington 2006]
Habitat description
Rivers and streams in mostly open landscapes, but also open areas in forest. Often faster sections with bare banks, rocks and a gravelly and/or sandy bottom. From 0 to 1400 m above sea level, but mostly below 500.
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.
Citation: Dijkstra, K.-D.B (editor). African Dragonflies and Damselflies Online. http://addo.adu.org.za/ [2024-09-08].