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Arigomphus villosipes
Unicorn Clubtail

(Selys, 1854)
Gomphidae, Clubtail Family
"Most Wanted" Species
photo of Male unicorn clubtail
Male unicorn clubtail — Dan Jackson
Status-Global/State:
Global: G5 Wisconsin: S2S3
Distinguishing Characteristics:
From 2.0 to 2.3 inches long, the unicorn clubtail has a gray-green thorax with black shoulder stripes. The abdomen is mostly black with pale dorsal stripes, and with fringes of the clubtail rusty brown and the end yellow. The legs are mostly black, with pale streaks on shins and sometimes on thighs. The eyes vary from gray-green to bright green.
Description of Habitat/Range:
Found in eastern US, from Tennessee northward to Ontario, the unicorn clubtail prefers ponds, lakes, and slow streams with muddy bottoms and little submerged vegetation. At lakes, they seem to prefer inlets. Wisconsin is at the western edge of the range. It is only known from a site in Sheboygan County.
Flight Season:
Throughout its range, the flight season is from early May to late August. In Wisconsin, they have been found in late June and July.
(Click on photos to enlarge)
photo of Male unicorn clubtail
Male unicorn clubtail — Dan Jackson
photo of Male unicorn clubtail
Male unicorn clubtail — Dennis Paulson
photo of Close-up of male unicorn clubtail face
Close-up of male unicorn clubtail face — Dan Jackson
photo of Close-up of male unicorn clubtail thorax
Close-up of male unicorn clubtail thorax — Dan Jackson
photo of Side (top image) and top view of male unicorn clubtail cerci
Side (top image) and top view of male unicorn clubtail cerci — Dan Jackson
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