Identification

Field Marks

• Average adult size is approximately from 1.9 to 2.3 inches
• Yellow face with no facial markings and green eyes
• Bold shoulder stripes that do not connect
• Third thoracic stripe is broken or incomplete with a narrow fourth stripe
• The minimal mid thoracic stripes make them appear more yellow than most other clubtails
• Dark abdomen with lance shaped top spots on segments 3 through 7 and a small triangle on segment 8
• Large yellow side spots on segments 8 and 9. Spot on segment 8 is about half the width of the segment and 9 is the entire width of that segment
• Typically no top spots on segment 9 and 10, however some individuals have been found with a top spot on segment 9

Field Marks

• Female is colored similarly to the male
• Yellow stripe of the femur of the females hind leg, not present in males
• Less clubbing in females abdomen then males
• Medium sized subgenital plates that hook outward at the top

Behavior

The Midland Clubtail is a strong flyer and a voracious hunter. They will hunt other dragonflies, often ones that are almost as large as they are, this includes species like Jewelwings, Twelve-spotted Skimmers, Rapids Clubtails and the ferocious Common Pondhawk. They can often be found perched on the sand on the river bank or lake shore or patrolling over rapids or riffles.

Habitat

Fast moving rivers and larger streams with clay or sandy bottoms, also large lakes with a lot of wave motion

Reproduction

Females lay eggs by dipping abdomen into rapids or waves while in flight