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Stylurus amnicola
Riverine Clubtail

(Walsh, 1862)
Gomphidae, Clubtail Family
photo of Male riverine clubtail
Male riverine clubtail — Dan Jackson
Status-Global/State:
Global: G4 Wisconsin: S3S4
Distinguishing Characteristics:
The males of most of the "hanging" clubtails (genus Stylurus) have long, slender abdomens. When perched on leaves, the bodies are pulled down by their weight, creating the appearance of "hanging" clubtails. The body length of the riverine clubtail varies from 1.8 to 1.9 inches. The pale markings on front of the thorax generally compose a 3-pointed star. On the sides of the thorax, a pair of wide stripes are angled slightly downward with a very narrow green shoulder stripe. The face is yellow-green with black lines and green eyes. The hind thighs are yellow. The male club has large yellow lateral spots with black lateral edges, near the end of the abdomen. The female is yellower than the male. The similar elusive clubtail differs in not having a frontal star and some other characteristics.
Description of Habitat/Range:
Found throughout northeastern United States and some states in the southeast, the riverine clubtail likes fast-moving medium to large rivers with sand, gravel, or mud bottoms. It is widespread throughout Wisconsin, although not in abundant numbers.
Flight Season:
In Wisconsin, adults have been documented from early June to early August.
(Click on photos to enlarge)
photo of Male riverine clubtail
Male riverine clubtail — Dan Jackson
photo of Male riverine clubtail
Male riverine clubtail — Dan Jackson
photo of Immature male riverine clubtail
Immature male riverine clubtail — Dan Jackson
photo of Immature male riverine clubtail
Immature male riverine clubtail — Dan Jackson
photo of Close-up of male riverine clubtail thorax
Close-up of male riverine clubtail thorax — Dan Jackson
photo of Close-up of male riverine clubtail face
Close-up of male riverine clubtail face — Dan Jackson
photo of Side (top image) and top view of male riverine clubtail cerci
Side (top image) and top view of male riverine clubtail cerci — Dan Jackson
photo of Mature female riverine clubtail
Mature female riverine clubtail — Dan Jackson
photo of Immature female riverine clubtail
Immature female riverine clubtail — Dan Jackson
photo of Teneral female riverine clubtail
Teneral female riverine clubtail — Dan Jackson
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