Dromogomphus spinosus
Selys, 1854
Black-shouldered Spinyleg
Gomphidae, Clubtail Family
Status-Global/State:
Distinguishing Characteristics:
This yellowish dragonfly is rather large with wide black shoulder bands and black abdomen with yellow marks. It is easily recognized by the unusually long spines on the back legs.
Description of Habitat/Range:
Common throughout eastern United States and southeastern Canada, this species is usually found at medium to large rapid streams, rivers, windswept lakes and ponds with rocky shores. It is widely distributed throughout northern two-thirds of Wisconsin.
Flight Season:
In Wisconsin, the typical flight season is early June to late August.
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
1%
(11)
(11)
75%
(631)
(631)
18%
(149)
(149)
5%
(40)
(40)
1%
(7)
(7)
<1%
(2)
(2)
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 black-shouldered spinyleg. © Dan Jackson
Male black-shouldered spinyleg
Male black-shouldered spinyleg. © Dan Jackson
Male black-shouldered spinyleg
Male black-shouldered spinyleg. © Jim Lind
Male black-shouldered spinyleg
Male black-shouldered spinyleg. © Jim Lind
Male black-shouldered spinyleg
Female black-shouldered spinyleg. © Dan Jackson
Female black-shouldered spinyleg
Female black-shouldered spinyleg. © R. DuBois
Female black-shouldered spinyleg
Immature female black-shouldered spinyleg. © Dan Jackson
Immature female black-shouldered spinyleg