Wisconsin Odonata Survey title graphic Wisconsin Odonata Survey graphic Wisconsin Odonata Survey graphic Wisconsin Odonata Survey graphic Wisconsin Odonata Survey graphic

Gomphurus lineatifrons
Splendid Clubtail

(Calvert, 1921)
Gomphidae, Clubtail Family
photo of Male splendid clubtail
Male splendid clubtail — Dan Jackson
Status-Global/State:
Global: G4 Wisconsin: S3
Distinguishing Characteristics:
The splendid clubtail has a club at end of the black abdomen that seems small compared to other clubtails. The club has large yellow lateral spots. Length of the body varying from 2.6 to 2.7 inches making this the largest Gomphurus in Wisconsin. This yellow-green dragonfly has black shoulder and thoracic stripes and black legs. The face has a narrow black facial cross-line with bright green eyes. Clubtail species are very similar to each other in some aspects, careful inspection is needed to identify them.
Description of Habitat/Range:
The splendid clubtail prefers clear, fast-moving, usually rocky rivers with sandy gravel and silt among rocks in eastern United States. Uncommon in Wisconsin, it is widely distributed in northern Wisconsin.
Flight Season:
Late May to mid-July in Wisconsin.
(Click on photos to enlarge)
photo of Male splendid clubtail
Male splendid clubtail — Dan Jackson
photo of Male splendid clubtail
Male splendid clubtail — Dan Jackson
photo of Male splendid clubtail
Male splendid clubtail — Dan Jackson
photo of Close-up of male splendid clubtail thorax
Close-up of male splendid clubtail thorax — Dan Jackson
photo of Close-up of male splendid clubtail face
Close-up of male splendid clubtail face — Dan Jackson
photo of Side (top image) and top view of male splendid clubtail cerci
Side (top image) and top view of male splendid clubtail cerci — Dan Jackson
photo of Female splendid clubtail
Female splendid clubtail — Dan Jackson
photo of Female splendid clubtail
Female splendid clubtail — Dan Jackson
photo of Female splendid clubtail abdomen tip
Female splendid clubtail abdomen tip — Dan Jackson
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