Description of last instar larvae of Ceratogomphus triceraticus Balinsky, 1963 and C. pictus Hagen in Selys, 1854 (Odonata: Gomphidae)

Ole Müllera , Stefan Kohlb, Frank Suhlingc , Hansruedi Wildermuthd

  1. Birkenweg 6d, D-15306 Libbenichen, Germany
  2. Fuchsgasse 5, CH-8610 Uster, Switzerland
  3. Institute of Geoecology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Langer Kamp 19c, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
  4. Haltbergstrasse 43, CH-830 Rüti, Switzerland

International Journal of Odonatology, Volume 24, Pages 247-260, 2021
https://doi.org/10.23797/2159-6719_24_19
Published: 5 November 2021 (Received: 11 April 2021, Accepted: 10 May 2021)

Abstract

The final instar larvae of the two species of the southern African gomphid genus Ceratogomphus, the South African endemic C. triceraticus and the more widespread C. pictus, are compared based on exuviae. Main differences are the shapes of the prementum and of the last abdominal segments, giving C. pictus a more slender and pointed appearance. Ceratogomphus triceraticus is slightly larger and on average significantly so. The habitats of both species are described based on own observations in South Africa.

Keywords: exuviae, habitat, southern Africa, dragonfly

Issue section: Original article