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Ophiogomphus rupinsulensis
Rusty Snaketail

(Walsh, 1862)
Gomphidae, Clubtail Family
photo of Male rusty snaketail
Male rusty snaketail — Dan Jackson
Status-Global/State:
Global: G5 Wisconsin: S4
Distinguishing Characteristics:
This bright greenish dragonfly is generally from 1.8 to 2.1 inches with brown shoulder stripes. At the end of the brownish abdomen, there are some black and yellow markings. The eyes of the males are usually yellow-green to blue-green, browner in females. The female is similar to the male, but with a smaller club and duller abdominal markings. Ophiogomphus species are very similar to each other in some aspects, careful inspection is needed to identify those snaketails.
Description of Habitat/Range:
Common throughout northeastern United States and southernmost Canada, it is usually found at medium to large rapid rivers and streams in a various types of soils. It seems that the rusty snaketail is more tolerant of silt, which can result from disturbances, than other snaketails. Common in Wisconsin, it is widely distributed throughout northern two-thirds of the state.
Flight Season:
Late May to late September in Wisconsin.
(Click on photos to enlarge)
photo of Male rusty snaketail
Male rusty snaketail — Dan Jackson
photo of Male rusty snaketail
Male rusty snaketail — Dan Jackson
photo of Teneral male rusty snaketail
Teneral male rusty snaketail — Dan Jackson
photo of Close-up of male rusty snaketail face
Close-up of male rusty snaketail face — Dan Jackson
photo of Close-up of male rusty snaketail thorax
Close-up of male rusty snaketail thorax — Dan Jackson
photo of Side (top image) and top view of male rusty snaketail cerci
Side (top image) and top view of male rusty snaketail cerci — Dan Jackson
photo of Female rusty snaketail
Female rusty snaketail — Dan Jackson
photo of Female rusty snaketail
Female rusty snaketail — Dan Jackson
photo of Female rusty snaketail
Female rusty snaketail — Dan Jackson
photo of Close-up of female rusty snaketail face
Close-up of female rusty snaketail face — Dan Jackson
photo of Close-up of female rusty snaketail thorax
Close-up of female rusty snaketail thorax — Dan Jackson
photo of Side (top image) and bottom view of female rusty snaketail abdomen tip
Side (top image) and bottom view of female rusty snaketail abdomen tip — Dan Jackson
photo of Rusty snaketail pair
Rusty snaketail pair — Dan Jackson
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