Asiagomphus pacificus - finally (a lot of) males

*This entry was updated June 25, 2018. New insights into the differences between A. hainanensis and A. pacificus now lead to the conclusion these are A. pacificus.

May 19 I was checking a river close to Cao Bang city when I ran into at least 10 males of Asiagomphus pacificus. This species I discovered new for Vietnam last year at Bac Kan at a site that has since been destroyed. What is more, I only found one single female, leaving room for discussion. But these males are very obvious and also show that this is certainly a species that is more widespread in northern Vietnam.

There are at least 4 species of Asiagomphus in Vietnam, but the problem is species of this genus are very similar, both in outward appearance and in appendages. The easiest is arguably Asiagomphus acco, with its dorsal tooth on the superior appendages. Asiagomphus sp. novum is also relatively simple, with the epiproct V-shaped, see the entries. Asiagomphus auricolor is apparently rather variable. I also consider it a candidate for what currently is identified as A. xanthenatus in Laos. A. auricolor has sometimes two and sometimes three lateral stripes and the female more or less yellow on S1-2. A. pacificus has longitudinal stripes on the dorsum of the abdomen, quite different from the rings of the other three. It also often has a spot on S8, which really helps the ID.

Asiagomphus pacificus, finally a male. Note the oval lateral spot on S8. The humeral stripe can be much clearer.

The same male at a different angle. Note the longitudinal markings along the dorsum of the abdomen, all the way up to S7.

Another shot of the same male

A different male, without the oval spot on S8 and with more extensive humeral stripe.