Ophiogomphus colubrinus
Selys, 1854
Boreal Snaketail
Gomphidae, Clubtail Family
Status-Global/State:
Distinguishing Characteristics:
Stocky and green, the boreal snaketail varies from 1.6 to 1.9 inches in the body's length. There are a few brown-black stripes on the thorax. The face has black cross-stripes, similar to the smaller extra-striped snaketail. On the brown-black abdomen, there are many narrow green dorsal spots. The legs are mostly black with pale thighs. Ophiogomphus species are very similar to each other in some aspects, careful inspection is needed to identify those snaketails.
Description of Habitat/Range:
This species ranges in northern United States and Canada, farther north than any other clubtails. It is usually found at clear sand-bottomed or gravel-bottomed rapid streams and rivers. It is infrequently found in northern counties of Wisconsin.
Flight Season:
Early June to late August in Wisconsin.
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
5%
(13)
(13)
71%
(202)
(202)
15%
(43)
(43)
6%
(16)
(16)
1%
(3)
(3)
2%
(6)
(6)
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 boreal snaketail. © Cleveland Mus. of Nat. Hist. (Renee Boronka)
Male boreal snaketail
Female boreal snaketail. © Jim Lind
Female boreal snaketail