Austrogomphus | |
---|---|
![]() | |
Austrogomphus guerini | |
Scientific classification ![]() | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Arthropoda |
Class: | Insecta |
Order: | Odonata |
Infraorder: | Anisoptera |
Family: | Gomphidae |
Genus: | Austrogomphus Selys, 1854[1][2] |
![]() |
Austrogomphus is a genus of dragonflies in the family Gomphidae,[3] endemic to Australia.[4] Species of Austrogomphus are tiny to medium-sized dragonflies, black in colour with yellowish markings.[5] They are commonly known as hunters.
The genus Austrogomphus includes the following species in four subgenera:[3][6]
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 (γόμφος) 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.[7] 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.[1]