Arigomphus cornutus
(Tough, 1900)
Horned Clubtail
Gomphidae, Clubtail Family
Status-Global/State:
Distinguishing Characteristics:
This stocky gray-green dragonfly has a slender black abdomen, usually with a pale tip and brown-black stripes on the thorax. Breeding in still waters, the females of this genus are the only clubtails with ovipositors. Difficult to catch, it is very wary and quick. The eyes are blue. The males have distinctive, widely forked claspers.
Description of Habitat/Range:
Usually found at bog-edged ponds, small marshy lakes, slow streams, and rivers, this species ranges abundantly throughout the northern Midwest and parts of Canada. It is uncommon but widely distributed throughout Wisconsin.
Flight Season:
Early June through mid-July in Wisconsin.
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
5%
(8)
(8)
76%
(133)
(133)
18%
(31)
(31)
1%
(2)
(2)
Shading illustrates monthly percentages of the total flight season records for the species.
Each flight season record is a unique date/location/observer combination where one or more adult or an
exuvia was recorded (excludes nymphs). The actual number of flight season records for each month is shown
in parentheses.
Flight seasons begin earlier in the southern part of the state, often by a week or more. Also, flight charts may not be accurate for rare species because of few data available.
Flight seasons begin earlier in the southern part of the state, often by a week or more. Also, flight charts may not be accurate for rare species because of few data available.
(Click on photos to enlarge)
Male horned clubtail. © Dan Jackson
Male horned clubtail
Male horned clubtail. © Dan Jackson
Male horned clubtail
Female horned clubtail. © Dan Jackson
Female horned clubtail
Female horned clubtail. © Dan Jackson
Female horned clubtail