Dragonfly ID: The Clubtails

Clubtail dragonflies are members of the Gomphidae family.

Dragonfly Resources Types of Dragonflies The Aeshnoidea Aeshnidae - Darners Cordulegastridae - Spiketails Petaluridae - Petaltails The Libelluloidea Emeralds Libellulidae - Skimmers and more Macromiidae - Cruisers More Dragonfly Facts Dragonfly Pictures

There are close to 100 different species, making them the second largest family of dragonflies, next to the Liebellulidae.

Most of the species are found east of the Rocky Mountains. None of the species are very widespread, so you will have to know which particular species is in your area.

Generally speaking, clubtails live near streams and open forests. They are medium to large in size.

They are usually green or yellow in color with black strips. In males, the end of the abdomen (tail part) is larger than the rest of the abdomen. That is the primary reason for their name.

Clubtail eyes provide one of the best identification starting points. They are spread out, much like a damselfly. The picture on the left shows a clubtail with a large gap on the head between the eyes.

The article on the Pacific Clubtail provides additional information.

© 2007. Patricia A. Michaels