Gomphurus externus
(Hagen in Selys, 1858)
Plains Clubtail
Gomphidae, Clubtail Family
Status-Global/State:
Distinguishing Characteristics:
The plains clubtail has a black body with yellow markings all over, varying in length from 2.0 to 2.3 inches. It can be confused with pronghorn clubtail but plains clubtail is bigger. Clubtail species are very similar to each other in some aspects, careful inspection is needed to identify them.
Description of Habitat/Range:
Found in mid-United States, this species prefers moderately flowing rivers and large streams with muddy bottoms, occasionally lakes. It is only known from southwest counties in Wisconsin.
Flight Season:
The flight season, generally in its range, is from early April to mid-August. It is most common in spring. In Wisconsin, several adults have been documented from early June to mid-July.
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
3%
(1)
(1)
41%
(12)
(12)
55%
(16)
(16)
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.
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.
(Click on photos to enlarge)
Male plains clubtail. © John & Cindy Anderson
Male plains clubtail. © Dan Jackson
Male plains clubtail. © Dan Jackson
Male plains clubtail. © John & Cindy Anderson
Female plains clubtail. © Dan Jackson