Antipodogomphus proselythus is a species of dragonfly of the family Gomphidae,
commonly known as the spinehead dragon.
It is endemic to Queensland, Australia, where it inhabits streams, rivers and pools.
Etymology
The genus name Antipodogomphus is derived from the Greek ἀντίποδες (antipodes, "those situated on the opposite side of the Earth"), combined with Gomphus, a genus name derived from the Greek γόμφος (gomphos, "peg" or "nail"), referring to the shape of the male abdomen. The name refers to the southern representative of that group.
The species names proselythus and acolythus are derived respectively from the Greek προσήλυτος (prosēlytos, "one that has arrived") and ἀκόλουθος (akolouthos, "the following one"). The names likely refer to two species placed in the genus Austrogomphus.
↑Paulson, D.; Schorr, M.; Abbott, J.; Bota-Sierra, C.; Deliry, C.; Dijkstra, K.-D.; Lozano, F. "World Odonata List". OdonataCentral. University of Alabama. Retrieved 13 April 2026.
↑Theischinger, Günther; Hawking, John (2006). The Complete Field Guide to Dragonflies of Australia. Collingwood, Victoria, Australia: CSIRO Publishing. p.182. ISBN978-0-64309-073-6.
↑Theischinger, Gunther; Endersby, Ian (2009). Identification Guide to the Australian Odonata. Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW. p.192. ISBN978-1-74232-475-3.
↑Watson, J.A.L.; Theischinger, G.; Abbey, H.M. (1991). The Australian Dragonflies: A Guide to the Identification, Distributions and Habitats of Australian Odonata. Melbourne: CSIRO. p.278. ISBN0-643-05136-8.