Anisogomphus group

Family Gomphidae

Anisogomphus bivittatus 

Selys 1854

Elevation 700 to 2800m

Abdomen length 36mm

There are three species of Anisogomphus in Nepal, and all three have been reported in the Godavari area but I have only seen A. orites outside of Pokhara on the Mardi Khola. Males of A. bivittatus differ from A. occipitalis in that it has expansions on the last 3 segments of the abdomen giving it a vase-like appearance. Females are similar to males. The photo below shows this feature very nicely. They are locally common sitting on small bushes next to small streams in May through September. They have a narrow distribution found only in Nepal and NE India.

Male

Female

Anisogomphus occipitalis 

(Selys 1854)

Elevation 400 - 1800m

Abdomen Length 52mm
Location Godavari, Pokhara

Usually found in forested areas on streams with heavy vegetation. The size and coloration are similar to A. bivittatus but the markings on and shape of the three last segments are very different. Female coloration is similar to males. Found in good numbers on vegetation next to small streams during the monsoon season from June to September. Distribution is Bangladesh, Nepal, NW, and NE India.

Male

Female

Anisogomphus orites 

Laidlaw 1922

Elevation 900 - 1500m

Abdomen Length 31mm

Location Mardi Khola Pokhara

This species is separated from its close and very similar in appearance relative to A. occipitalis (see below). The shape of the anal appendages, the long spines on the femora, and fewer yellow markings along the abdomen - the last three segments are black and slightly expanded laterally. It was found sitting on a rock above the Mardi Khola (River). No females were seen. The date was early October. It has only been recorded in Nepal and NE India - Assam and Sikkim.

Male