Arrow Clubtail
Stylurus spiniceps
DISCRIPTION: This graceful, dark green and black dragonfly is most remarkable for its long, thin abdomen which flares to a “club” at the end.
BEHAVIOUR/ABUNDANCE: This particular clubtail has been classified as “vulnerable” in New York State. We have seen only one in our surveys. They are most often found patrolling over, or perched next to, sandy streams.
Black-shouldered Spinyleg
Dromogomphus spinosus
DISCRIPTION: This is a relatively small clubtail with a very thin abdomen. One of its most distinctive features is its entirely green thorax with no obvious stripes. It has a small head with bright green eyes.
BEHAVIOUR/ABUNDANCE: We have only seen one Black-shouldered Spinyleg during our surveys. Despite this, it is not officially recognized as vulnerable. They can be found around clear, rocky streams.
Brook Snaketail
Omphigomphus aspersus
DISCRIPTION: This dragonfly is very similar to other clubtails. It has a bright green thorax with a single dorsal stripe and double shoulder stripes. Its abdomen is black with yellow dagger shaped markings.
BEHAVIOUR/ABUNDANCE: We have seen three Brook Snaketails. They are classified as vulnerable in our state. Like most clubtails, it can be found over clean running water, although typically the Brook Snaketail prefers open, sunny streams as opposed to shade where some of its relations can be found.
Dragonhunter
Hagenius brevistylus
DESCRIPTION: This is a very large, sleek clubtail almost the size of a darner. Its most defining feature is its disproportionately small head, which is surprisingly recognizable in the field.
BEHAVIOUR/ABUNDANCE: In all our surveys we have only ever come across one Dragonhunter, although it is not recognized as endangered in New York. It can be found along shaded streams.
Dusky Clubtail
Gomphus spicatus
DESCRIPTION: This mid-sized, drab, green-brown clubtail can be extremely hard to distinguish from similar species, although its stocky-ness is somewhat distinctive.
BEHAVIOUR/ABUNDANCE: We have seen only one Dusky Clubtail, although it is considered secure in New York. They fly low over slow moving or still water.
Lancet Clubtail
Gomphus exilis
DESCRIPTION: This is a relatively small clubtail. It is mostly brown, and has an unpronounced club. While it can be hard to distinguish from other clubtails, it can be told apart by the light yellow dorsal markings on its abdomen.
BEHAVIOUR/ABUNDANCE: We have seen several Lancet Clubtails. They can be found hunting over fields and roads, or perched on rocks near water.
Least Clubtail
Stylogomphus albistylus
DESCRIPTION: This is one of the smallest clubtails in our area. Its abdomen is black with a small club and thin yellow rings. It has green eyes.
BEHAVIOUR/ABUNDANCE: We see Least Clubtails only rarely, generally over rocky streams.
Lilypad Clubtail
Arigomphus furcifer
DESCRIPTION: This is a medium-sized, stocky, non-descript, green-grey clubtail.
BEHAVIOUR/ABUNDANCE: We have only seen a couple of Lilypad Clubtails. It is not considered endangered. It can most often be found around still water and slow streams.
Northern Pygmy Clubtail
Lanthus parvulus
DESCRIPTION: This is a very small, thin clubtail. It is almost entirely black, with yellow dorsal stripes on its thorax.
BEHAVIOUR/ABUNDANCE: We have only seen one of these clubtails, and it is considered uncommon in New York. It can be found over small shaded streams.
Riffle Snaketail
Ophiogomphus carolus
DESCRIPTION: This is a small dragonfly, with a black abdomen and light green/yellow markings. It has a slight club at the end of its abdomen.
BEHAVIOUR/ABUNDANCE: We have only seen a few Riffle Snaketails, and they are considered uncommon in New York. It can be found near swift streams and small rivers.
Rusty Snaketail
Ophiogomphus rupinsulensis
DESCRIPTION: This medium-sized dragonfly has a green thorax and black abdomen with yellow markings. Sometimes the dull red (hence “rusty”) at the end of the abdomen is quite clear.
BEHAVIOUR/ABUNDANCE: We have only seen four Rusty Snaketails, and it is considered uncommon. It can be found perched on rocks or flying near rivers.
Unicorn Clubtail
Arigomphus villosipes
DESCRIPTION: This is a medium-sized clubtail that is mostly grey-green in color. It has spots down each side of its abdomen, and these become progressively more yellow as they approach its pronounced club.
BEHAVIOUR/ABUNDANCE: We have only one sighting of a Unicorn Clubtail on record, but it is not considered endangered. It can mainly be found around ponds and lakes.
Zebra Clubtail
Stylurus scudderi
DESCRIPTION: This is a stocky dragonfly with a very pronounced club. The yellow rings on each of its abdominal segments distinguish it from other clubtails.
BEHAVIOUR/ABUNDANCE: We have only seen three Zebra Clubtails, and it is considered uncommon in New York. It can be seen next to streams and small rivers.