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Ophiogomphus susbehcha
St. Croix Snaketail

Vogt and Smith, 1993
Gomphidae, Clubtail Family
"Most Wanted" Species
photo of Male St. Croix snaketail
Male St. Croix snaketail — Matt Berg
Status-Global/State:
Global: G2 Wisconsin: S2 Endangered
Distinguishing Characteristics:
The recently described St. Croix snaketail averages about 2.0 inches in length. The thorax is blue-green with black shoulder stripes and two stripes on the thorax. The eyes are gray-blue. The legs are black except at base. The abdomen is black with yellow markings, with the tip yellow. Ophiogomphus species are very similar to each other in some aspects, careful inspection is needed to identify those snaketails.
Description of Habitat/Range:
The St. Croix snaketail is limited to Wisconsin and parts of Minnesota, especially along the St. Croix River drainage. It prefers medium-sized rivers that are clear, fast-flowing with mixed gravel, sand, and rock bottoms.
Flight Season:
Mid-May to late June in Wisconsin.
(Click on photos to enlarge)
photo of Male St. Croix snaketail
Male St. Croix snaketail — Matt Berg
photo of Male St. Croix snaketail
Male St. Croix snaketail — Matt Berg
photo of Close-up of thorax of male St. Croix snaketail
Close-up of thorax of male St. Croix snaketail — W.A. Smith
photo of Female St. Croix snaketail
Female St. Croix snaketail — Dan Jackson
photo of Female St. Croix snaketail
Female St. Croix snaketail — W.A. Smith
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