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Phanogomphus spicatus
Dusky Clubtail

(Hagen in Selys, 1854)
Gomphidae, Clubtail Family
photo of Male dusky clubtail
Male dusky clubtail — Dan Jackson
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.
(Click on photos to enlarge)
photo of Male dusky clubtail
Male dusky clubtail — Dan Jackson
photo of Male dusky clubtail
Male dusky clubtail — Dan Jackson
photo of Male dusky clubtail
Male dusky clubtail — Ryan Brady
photo of Close-up of male dusky clubtail face
Close-up of male dusky clubtail face — Dan Jackson
photo of Close-up of male dusky clubtail thorax
Close-up of male dusky clubtail thorax — Dan Jackson
photo of Side (top image) and top view of male dusky clubtail cerci
Side (top image) and top view of male dusky clubtail cerci — Dan Jackson
photo of Female dusky clubtail
Female dusky clubtail — Dan Jackson
photo of Female dusky clubtail
Female dusky clubtail — Dan Jackson
photo of Teneral female dusky clubtail with exuvia
Teneral female dusky clubtail with exuvia — Dan Jackson
photo of Female dusky clubtail face
Female dusky clubtail face — Dan Jackson
photo of Abdomen tip of female dusky clubtail showing subgenital plate
Abdomen tip of female dusky clubtail showing subgenital plate — Dan Jackson
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