Kingdom Animalia Class Insecta Family Gomphidae Scientific name Onychogomphus supinus | Phylum Arthropoda Order Odonata Genus Onychogomphus Rank Species | |
 | ||
Onychogomphus supinus is a species of dragonfly in the family Gomphidae. English names include lined claspertail and gorge claspertail.
Contents
Distribution and status
This species may be restricted to southern Africa (Mozambique, South Africa, Swaziland and Zimbabwe). Records from elsewhere in Africa (Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Guinea, Sierra Leone and Senegal) are doubtful, due to taxonomic uncertainty. The form found in Senegal has been described as Onychogomphus supinus xerophilus.
The species is widespread, and has been assessed as Least Concern in southern Africa and as Data Deficient in West Africa.
Habitat
Onychogomphus supinus is found in and near streams and rivers in bush or woodland.
Identification
In South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, the shapes of the claspers are diagnostic, as are the patterns on the thorax and abdomen. Taxonomy and identification of similar species further north is uncertain.