Gomphidae, Clubtail Family
Status-Global/State:
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. The arrow clubtail is black marked with green-yellow. The thorax has very wide black stripes, often fused creating yellow shoulder stripes. The face and legs are black. The length of the body varies from 2.2 to 2.7 inches. The abdomen is black with small yellow spots and at the end, lower sides edged with yellow. The arrow clubtail is recognizable by its very elongated abdomen. The segment just before the tip of the abdomen (segment 9) is longer than other clubtails.
Description of Habitat/Range:
Common throughout eastern United States, from Tennessee to southeast Canada, arrow clubtails can be found at sand-bottomed large rivers, rarely streams or lakes. It is widespread throughout Wisconsin, although not necessarily in abundant numbers.
Flight Season:
Late June to mid-August in Wisconsin.
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