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Ophiogomphus colubrinus
Boreal Snaketail

Selys, 1854
Gomphidae, Clubtail Family
photo of Male boreal snaketail
Male boreal snaketail — Dan Jackson
Status-Global/State:
Global: G5 Wisconsin: S4
Distinguishing Characteristics:
Stocky and green, the boreal snaketail varies from 1.6 to 1.9 inches in the body's length. There are a few brown-black stripes on the thorax. The face has black cross-stripes, similar to the smaller extra-striped snaketail. On the brown-black abdomen, there are many narrow green dorsal spots. The legs are mostly black with pale thighs. Ophiogomphus species are very similar to each other in some aspects, careful inspection is needed to identify those snaketails.
Description of Habitat/Range:
This species ranges in northern United States and Canada, farther north than any other clubtails. It is usually found at clear sand-bottomed or gravel-bottomed rapid streams and rivers. It is infrequently found in northern counties of Wisconsin.
Flight Season:
Early June to late August in Wisconsin.
(Click on photos to enlarge)
photo of Male boreal snaketail
Male boreal snaketail — Dan Jackson
photo of Male boreal snaketail
Male boreal snaketail — Dan Jackson
photo of Male boreal snaketail
Male boreal snaketail — Dan Jackson
photo of Close-up of male boreal snaketail face
Close-up of male boreal snaketail face — Dan Jackson
photo of Close-up of male boreal snaketail thorax
Close-up of male boreal snaketail thorax — Dan Jackson
photo of Side (top image) and top view of male boreal snaketail cerci
Side (top image) and top view of male boreal snaketail cerci — Dan Jackson
photo of Female boreal snaketail
Female boreal snaketail — Dan Jackson
photo of Female boreal snaketail
Female boreal snaketail — Dan Jackson
photo of Female boreal snaketail
Female boreal snaketail — Dan Jackson
photo of Close-up of female boreal snaketail face
Close-up of female boreal snaketail face — Dan Jackson
photo of Close-up of female boreal snaketail thorax
Close-up of female boreal snaketail thorax — Dan Jackson
photo of Top and bottom view of female boreal snaketail abdomen tip
Top and bottom view of female boreal snaketail abdomen tip — Dan Jackson
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