Stylurus scudderi
(Selys, 1873)
Zebra Clubtail
Gomphidae, Clubtail Family
Status-Global/State:
Distinguishing Characteristics:
This stocky blackish dragonfly with yellow ringed abdomen is about 2.2 inches long. The thorax has some yellow stripes, near shoulders. There are small yellow spots along the abdomen. A male is easily identified by its leaf-like expansions on its club's segments edged with yellow. The female's abdomen is very stout and clubless.
Description of Habitat/Range:
Common throughout northeastern United States and southeastern Canada, this species is usually found in forest streams with intermittent rapids, including trout streams with sandy/mucky bottoms. Females are reclusive and rarely seen. In Wisconsin, it is widespread, but found infrequently, throughout northern two-thirds of the state.
Flight Season:
Late June to late September in Wisconsin.
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
11%
(22)
(22)
40%
(76)
(76)
39%
(74)
(74)
9%
(18)
(18)
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 zebra clubtail. © Dan Jackson
Male zebra clubtail
Male zebra clubtail. © Jim Lind
Male zebra clubtail
Male zebra clubtail. © Jim Lind
Male zebra clubtail
Female zebra clubtail. © R. DuBois
Female zebra clubtail
Female zebra clubtail. © Clint Anderson
Female zebra clubtail