Southern Vicetail
Hemigomphus gouldii
Female
Head and thorax similar to male. Abdomen with four spots on each segment, arranged to create a central black diamond on the mid-dorsal line. Pale anal appendages.
Similar species
Extremely similar to H. heteroclytus. Field separation characteristics are only postulated at this stage. Heteroclytus appears to differ by having a distinct isolated black spot on the intersegmental suture. Clubbed tail is very heavy, with segment 7 doubling in width so that the final three segments are wide and parallel sided. Also appears to always have conjoined paired spots on the upper abdomen, particularly on segment 2 - this gives a more boldy-marked impression than for gouldii. On gouldii, the lateral spots are separate though on some individuals, a small indistinct pale spot appears between the two.
Behaviour
Readily perches on rocks and flies low and fast over water.
Habitat
Wide, relatively fast flowing rocky rivers with riffles. Occasionally in flat floodplains but never apparently in the lowlands, unlike heteroclytus.
Identification
A robust yellow and black dragonfly with paired, separate white spots along the top of the abdomen and large pale claspers at the tip. Width of tail increases towards the end, so that the end appears clubbed. Usually perches with tail slightly elevated and arched. Upper thorax with variable patterning but antehumeral commonly separated from collar, sometimes touching and occasionally joined. Some individuals have a very small isolated black spot near top of intersegmental suture on side of thorax but this is mostly lacking.
Courtesy of
Male
Male
Courtesy of
Female
Female
Female