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Rapids Clubtail

Phanogomphus quadricolor

The Rapids Clubtail is a small dark Clubtail typically found around fast moving rivers and streams. It was moved from the genus Gomphus to the new genus Phanogomphus. Although it is generally found in a different habitat than the other species of Phanogomphus in the area

Identification

Field Marks
  • Average adult size is approximately from 1.6 to 1.8 inches
  • Yellow face with no facial markings
  • Blue eyes
  • Greenish-yellow thorax
  • Broad shouldered stripes connected at top and bottom
  • Second pair of thoracic stripes, thin, unconnected, with the space between them 'muddy'
  • All black legs
  • Black abdomen with small yellow top spots and side spots on segments 3-7
  • Large yellow patches on sides of segments 8 and 9 that extend to the edge
  • Segments 8-10 black with no top spots and black terminal appendages

Click on photos above for a close-up view.
Field Marks
  • Female is colored similarly to the male
  • Side spots on abdomen segment 3 to 7 usually have a tail
  • Small subgenital plates

Click on photos above for a close-up view.

Natural History

Behavior

Males typically perch on sunny rocks in the water or along the shore. They will also perch on the ground, sandy beaches and low in vegetation around the bank

Habitat

Large streams and rivers typically with a strong current

Reproduction

Pairs can be found quite a ways away from the water. Females fly over swift moving water laying eggs by dipping their abdomen into the water. The current carries the eggs to calm pools where the nymphs will hatch and grow

Range Maps

Click on the icons above for this species' range maps

Click here for county and state checklists from Odonata Central.

Range maps and checklists courtesy of Odonata Central. Copyright © 2016 OdonataCentral. All Rights Reserved. Abbott, J.C. 2006-2018. OdonataCentral: An online resource for the distribution and identification of Odonata. Available at www.odonatacentral.org.

© JEFFREY FISCHER 2016. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.