Odonata: Gomphidae

Austrogomphus cornutus  

Unicorn Hunter (Austrogomphus cornutus)
click photo for larger image
© Geoff Walker 2015
Tenterfield, NSW (Nov, 2015)

The distinctive pattern on the thorax and the unique occiput horn identify this dragonfly as a Unicorn Hunter.

The male Unicorn Hunter has a swollen occiput forming a blunt triangular horn, hence the name Unicorn Hunter.

The "horn" can be seen in the below images as the yellow triangle between the large compound eyes of the dragonfly.

Unicorn Hunter Horn

Unicorn Hunter (Austrogomphus cornutus)

Unicorn Hunter

Unicorn Hunter (Austrogomphus cornutus)

Unicorn Hunter

Unicorn Hunter (Austrogomphus cornutus)

Unicorn Hunter

Unicorn Hunter (Austrogomphus cornutus)

Unicorn Hunter

Unicorn Hunter (Austrogomphus cornutus)

Unicorn Hunter