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Cordulegaster maculata
Twin-spotted Spiketail

Selys, 1854
Cordulegastridae, Spiketail Family
photo of Male twin-spotted spiketail
Male twin-spotted spiketail — Dan Jackson
Status-Global/State:
Global: G5 Wisconsin: S4
Distinguishing Characteristics:
This large black dragonfly varies from 2.5 to 3.0 inches in the body length. The abdomen has short yellow spots in separated pairs along its length. The forehead is yellow in males and brown in females with sea-green eyes. The female is similar to the male. The male's abdomen is slightly clubbed while the female ovipositor (appendages at end of the abdomen) extends the length of a segment beyond the abdomen.
Description of Habitat/Range:
Common throughout eastern United States and southeastern Canada, this species is found at clear streams or small rivers in the woods. Sometimes it can be seen foraging miles away from larval habitats. It is fairly common throughout the northern two-thirds of Wisconsin.
Flight Season:
Late May to mid-August in Wisconsin.
(Click on photos to enlarge)
photo of Male twin-spotted spiketail
Male twin-spotted spiketail — Dan Jackson
photo of Male twin-spotted spiketail
Male twin-spotted spiketail — Dan Jackson
photo of Close-up of male twin-spotted spiketail thorax
Close-up of male twin-spotted spiketail thorax — Dan Jackson
photo of Close-up of male twin-spotted spiketail face
Close-up of male twin-spotted spiketail face — Dan Jackson
photo of Side (top image) and top view of male twin-spotted spiketail cerci
Side (top image) and top view of male twin-spotted spiketail cerci — Dan Jackson
photo of Female twin-spotted spiketail
Female twin-spotted spiketail — Dan Jackson
photo of Female twin-spotted spiketail
Female twin-spotted spiketail — Ryan Brady
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