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Phanogomphus lividus
Ashy Clubtail

(Selys, 1854)
Gomphidae, Clubtail Family
photo of Male ashy clubtail
Male ashy clubtail — Jim Lind
Status-Global/State:
Global: G5 Wisconsin: S4
Distinguishing Characteristics:
This dull brown dragonfly has two pale lateral stripes on shoulders. The ashy clubtail varies from 1.9 to 2.2 inches in length. The black-brown abdomen is very slender, barely clubbed in males, and has very little yellow markings. The hind thighs vary from pale to dark, pale brown in most cases. The shins also are pale. The face occasionally has cross-lines. The eyes are pale gray to brown or deep violet, especially for females. Clubtail species are very similar to each other in some aspects, careful inspection is needed to identify them.
Description of Habitat/Range:
It is commonly found throughout eastern United States and some parts of Canada. This species prefers gently flowing steams or on lakeshores that are wave-beaten, sometimes found at trout streams. In Wisconsin, it is widely distributed throughout northern two-thirds of the state.
Flight Season:
Late May to mid-August in Wisconsin.
(Click on photos to enlarge)
photo of Male ashy clubtail
Male ashy clubtail — Jim Lind
photo of Male ashy clubtail
Male ashy clubtail — Dan Jackson
photo of Male ashy clubtail
Male ashy clubtail — Dan Jackson
photo of Close-up of male ashy clubtail face
Close-up of male ashy clubtail face — Dan Jackson
photo of Close-up of male ashy clubtail thorax
Close-up of male ashy clubtail thorax — Dan Jackson
photo of Side (top image) and top view of male ashy clubtail cerci
Side (top image) and top view of male ashy clubtail cerci — Dan Jackson
photo of Immature male ashy clubtail
Immature male ashy clubtail — Dan Jackson
photo of Female ashy clubtail
Female ashy clubtail — Dan Jackson
photo of Female ashy clubtail
Female ashy clubtail — Dan Jackson
photo of Close-up of female ashy clubtail face
Close-up of female ashy clubtail face — Dan Jackson
photo of Close-up of female ashy clubtail thorax
Close-up of female ashy clubtail thorax — Dan Jackson
photo of Detail of subgenital plates for female ashy clubtail
Detail of subgenital plates for female ashy clubtail — Dan Jackson
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