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Stylurus notatus
Elusive Clubtail

(Rambur, 1842)
Gomphidae, Clubtail Family
photo of Male elusive clubtail
Male elusive clubtail — Dan Jackson
Status-Global/State:
Global: G3 Wisconsin: S3S4
Distinguishing Characteristics:
The males of most of the "hanging" clubtails (genus Stylurus) have long, slender abdomens. When perched on leaves, the bodies are pulled down by their weight, creating the appearance of "hanging" clubtails. This greenish yellow, slender dragonfly is striped with black . The body varies from 2.0 to 2.5 inches in length. On the thorax, there are 2 complete lateral black stripes, near base of abdomen, differing from the riverine clubtail's stripes. The face is tawny with blue eyes. The male has the upper face black. At end of the black abdomen, there are large yellowish lateral spots on the club. Along the abdomen, there are small yellow spots on the top. The legs are black.
Description of Habitat/Range:
Ranging in eastern United States, from Tennessee to Ontario, the elusive clubtail often likes large rivers and large lakes with sandy bottoms, sometimes also with silt and gravel. Uncommon in Wisconsin, it is distributed throughout western part of the state.
Flight Season:
Early June to late September in Wisconsin.
(Click on photos to enlarge)
photo of Male elusive clubtail
Male elusive clubtail — Dan Jackson
photo of Male elusive clubtail
Male elusive clubtail — Dan Jackson
photo of Male elusive clubtail
Male elusive clubtail — Dan Jackson
photo of Close-up of male elusive clubtail thorax
Close-up of male elusive clubtail thorax — Dan Jackson
photo of Close-up of male elusive clubtail face
Close-up of male elusive clubtail face — Dan Jackson
photo of Side (top image) and top view of male elusive clubtail cerci
Side (top image) and top view of male elusive clubtail cerci — Dan Jackson
photo of Female elusive clubtail
Female elusive clubtail — Dan Jackson
photo of Female elusive clubtail
Female elusive clubtail — Dan Jackson
photo of Teneral female elusive clubtail wth exuviae
Teneral female elusive clubtail wth exuviae — Dan Jackson
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