Phanogomphus exilis
(Selys, 1854)
Lancet Clubtail
Status-Global/State:
Distinguishing Characteristics:
The lancet clubtail is a medium-sized dull yellowish dragonfly with brown stripes on shoulders and on thorax. The length of the body varies from 1.5 to 1.9 inches.The abdomen is black with yellow dorsal stripe and yellow sides at the end. Thighs are brown in males, green in females with shins pale for both genders. For the males, eyes are bluish, grayish for females. Clubtail species are very similar to each other in some aspects, careful inspection is needed to identify them.
Description of Habitat/Range:
Commonly found throughout eastern United States and eastern Canada, this species is found at slow vegetated streams, shallow marsh-bordered lakes, and marsh-bordered ponds. Uncommon in Wisconsin, it is widely distributed throughout the state.
Flight Season:
Late May to late August in Wisconsin.
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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.
Male lancet clubtail. © Dan Jackson
Male lancet clubtail. © Dan Jackson
Immature male lancet clubtail. © Dan Jackson
Side (top image) and top view of cercus for male lancet clubtail. © Dan Jackson
Female lancet clubtail. © Dan Jackson
Immature female lancet clubtail. © Dan Jackson