Austrogomphus ochraceus - Jade Hunter

Male identification: A dainty yellow and black dragonfly with a yellow mid-dorsal line from segments 2-8, yellow spot on segment 9 and a mostly yellow segment 10 - so tail has yellow tip. Also with prominent yellow lateral spots at the base of each abdominal segment and claspers distinctly nail-tipped. Black legs. Upper thorax with antehumeral separated from collar and humeral stripe. Black markings protrude from end of the intersegmental suture, the lowest of which extends about half way across the side of the thorax. Broad black band across anterior frons.

Female identification: Similar to male but slightly thicker bodied, with less substantial abdominal markings and anal appendages lacking nail-tips. Segment 10 wholly yellow.

Similar species: Very similar to other Austrogomphids. Readily separated from similarly common A. guerini by the antehumeral separated from the collar and humeral stripe, yellow mid-dorsal yellow line stopping at segment 8 and yellow and all black legs. Other diagnostic features include the yellow (or mostly yellow in male) segment 10 and nail-tipped claspers (male).

Behaviour: Readily perches on bankside vegetation, rocks and logs. Flies low and fast over water.

Distribution: Mostly below 600m altitude in eastern Victoria. In the northeast, its range extends west along the Murray as far as Yarrawonga, where it is replaced by australis.

Australian State distribution (from CSIRO Entomology)

Habitat: Rivers with a sand / gravel / mud substrate. Relatively cosmopolitan habitat requirements compared to other species such as cornutus.

Status: Common and localised

Flight period: December to March