Hagenius brevistylus
Selys, 1854
Dragonhunter
Gomphidae, Clubtail Family
Status-Global/State:
Distinguishing Characteristics:
With its powerful wings and legs, the dragonhunter lives up to its name since it feeds largely on other dragonflies. Largest of all clubtails, from 2.9 to 3.5 inches, it is black and yellow-green with a relatively small head, a stout abdomen, and long legs. There is only one species in this genus.
Description of Habitat/Range:
Common throughout eastern part of United States, this species is usually found at streams and rivers with moderate to fast currents, and sometimes lake channels or bays. The adults forage over open roadways and open sunny areas on streams. It is widespread in northern Wisconsin.
Flight Season:
Early June to late August in Wisconsin.
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
1%
(9)
(9)
69%
(567)
(567)
22%
(176)
(176)
7%
(58)
(58)
1%
(6)
(6)
<1%
(1)
(1)
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 dragonhunter. © Dan Jackson
Male dragonhunter
Male dragonhunter. © Dan Jackson
Male dragonhunter
Male dragonhunter. © Dan Jackson
Male dragonhunter
Close-up of male dragonhunter. © Mike Reese
Close-up of male dragonhunter
Female dragonhunter. © Dan Jackson
Female dragonhunter
Female dragonhunter. © Dennis Paulson
Female dragonhunter