Wisconsin Odonata Survey: Phanogomphus spicatus

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Phanogomphus spicatus (Hagen in Selys, 1854)
Dusky Clubtail

Gomphidae, Clubtail Family

Status-Global/State:

Global: G5 Wisconsin: S5

Distinguishing Characteristics:

This dull-hued brown-blackish dragonfly varies in the length from 1.8 to 2.0 inches. The thorax has black stripes. The abdomen is mostly black with small yellow markings. Hind thighs are usually brown in the males, but pale in females with shins pale for both genders. The eyes differ between the genders as well. For males, eyes are gray to blue-gray. The females' eyes are gray to brown. Dusky clubtail is similar to rapids clubtail. Clubtail species are very similar to each other in some aspects, careful inspection is needed to identify them.

Description of Habitat/Range:

Common throughout northeastern United States and some parts of Canada, this species prefers boggy or marshy lakes and ponds, and slow sandy streams. Common in Wisconsin, it is widely distributed throughout the state.

Flight Season:

Mid-May to late July in Wisconsin. It is one of the earliest clubtails to emerge.

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

13%
(78)

68%
(408)

18%
(108)

1%
(3)

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.

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