Austrogomphus


Austrogomphus is a genus of dragonflies in the family Gomphidae,
endemic to Australia.
Species of Austrogomphus are tiny to medium-sized dragonflies, black in colour with yellowish markings. They are commonly known as hunters.

Species

The genus Austrogomphus includes the following species in four subgenera:
Subgenus Austroepigomphus
Subgenus Austrogomphus
Subgenus Pleiogomphus
Subgenus Xerogomphus
The genus name Austrogomphus is derived from two words: the latin word auster meaning south wind, hence south; and the greek word gomphus meaning peg or nail. It is suggested that the shape of the male tail is generally like that of a bolt used in ship building. Gomphus is also a genus of dragonfly, with some similarities to Austrogomphus, both belonging to the much larger family group, Gomphidae. In 1854 Edmond de Sélys Longchamps named the sub-genus Austrogomphus probably as a southern or Australian component of the gomphid group.