Description of the final stadium larva of Philoganga vetusta Ris, with discussion of the taxonomic characters of the larvae of the genus Philoganga Kirby (Odonata: Philogangidae)

Abstract

The final stadium larva of Philoganga vetusta Ris is described and illustrated in detail. The larva of supposed P. vetusta from Hong Kong is confirmed, and that of Philoganga sp. from Fujian can be determined to be P. robusta. The taxonomic characters and systematic status of the larvae of genus Philoganga are discussed and summarized.

Keywords:

• Odonata
• Philoganga vetusta
• Philoganga Kirby
• larva
• taxonomic characters

Acknowledgments

I am grateful to Dr Martin Schorr, Dr Dennis Paulson and Dr Xin Yu for their kind help in providing literature necessary for the present study. I also thank my tutor Chang-ming Liu for offering an opportunity for me to study the specimens and for providing the photos of the reared larva.