Hemigomphus gouldii (Selys, 1854)

SOUTHERN VICETAIL

Family Gomphidae

A Southern Vicetail emerging from its larval case near Yarras NSW.

A teneral Southern Vicetail with wings expanded after emerging from its larval case near Yarras NSW on November 15th 2013.

We went to an agricultural field day along the Forbes River Rd inland from Wauchope NSW in November 2013. Of course I had to go and check out the river which we had to drive across to get to where the field day was being held. Much to my delight there was a dragonfly emerging from its larval case at the edge of the river. Within 25 minutes it was fully hatched with its wings fully expanded. it fell in to the water but fortunately managed to scramble to another stem and climb to safety. This teneral dragonfly turned out to be a Southern Vicetail.

Southern Vicetails perch on emergent rocks in rivers and seem to like the same type of habitat as Rockmaster (Diphlebia) Damselflies. If I see a Vicetail then I will also look for Rockmasters nearby as well or vice versa. For instance at Deer Vale Southern Vicetails and Whitewater Rockmasters can often be seen together and at Dalmorten, Vicetails which I now think might be a Stout Vicetails may be found together with Arrowhead Rockmasters.

A teneral Southern Vicetail cimbing up a stem after falling in the water of the Forbes River NSW on November 15th 2013.

A male Southern Vicetail at Deer Vale NSW on November 10th 2014.

A male Southern Vicetail at Deer Vale NSW on January 10th 2013.

Face of a male Southern Vicetail at Deer Vale NSW on January 8th 2013.

Southern and Stout Vicetails can be difficult to tell apart. For a comparison go to my Stout Vicetail page.
Southern Vicetails usually have the antehumeral stripe separated from the collar but the most reliable distinguishing feature is the shape of the superior anal appendages of the male. It is very difficult however to take photos from the right angle to show the difference clearly.

Superior anal appendages of a Southern Vicetail.

A male Southern Vicetail at Deer Vale NSW on December 3rd 2014.

A female Southern Vicetail at Bruxner Park near Coffs Harbour NSW on January 10th 2014.

A female Southern Vicetail at Bruxner Park near Coffs Harbour NSW on January 10th 2014.

There is a picnic area in a little clearing of the forest at Bruxner Park just north of Coffs Harbour and it was here that I noticed the dark shape of a dragonfly flying around. To my delight it landed on the ground so I could get some shots. I lost sight of it as I tried to move closer and thinking it must have flown off, moved too quickly only to see it really flying off! This was my only sighting of a female Southern Vicetail.