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

Phanogomphus quadricolor
Rapids Clubtail

(Walsh, 1863)
Gomphidae, Clubtail Family
photo of Male rapids clubtail
Male rapids clubtail — Dan Jackson
Status-Global/State:
Global: G3G4 Wisconsin: S4
Distinguishing Characteristics:
This greenish dragonfly is small compared to other clubtails, 1.6 to 1.8 inches long. The legs are black. The abdomen is black and slender with little yellow markings especially at end of the abdomen. The area between the black lateral thoracic stripes may be darkened. The rapids clubtail is similar to the dusky clubtail. Clubtail species are very similar to each other in some aspects, careful inspection is needed to identify them.
Description of Habitat/Range:
The rapids clubtail can be found at large streams and rivers with gravel in rocky riffles or rapids. They also have been collected at sluggish mud-bottomed rivers. This dragonfly ranges throughout the eastern United States from Georgia to southeast Ontario, Canada. It is widespread through northern two-thirds of Wisconsin.
Flight Season:
Late May to late July in Wisconsin.
(Click on photos to enlarge)
photo of Male rapids clubtail
Male rapids clubtail — Dan Jackson
photo of Male rapids clubtail
Male rapids clubtail — Dan Jackson
photo of Immature male rapids clubtail
Immature male rapids clubtail — Dan Jackson
photo of Close-up of male rapids clubtail thorax
Close-up of male rapids clubtail thorax — Dan Jackson
photo of Close-up of male rapids clubtail face
Close-up of male rapids clubtail face — Dan Jackson
photo of Side (top image) and top view of male rapids clubtail cerci
Side (top image) and top view of male rapids clubtail cerci — Dan Jackson
photo of Female rapids clubtail
Female rapids clubtail — Dan Jackson
photo of Female rapids clubtail
Female rapids clubtail — Dan Jackson
photo of Female rapids clubtail
Female rapids clubtail — Dan Jackson
photo of Abdomen tip of female rapids clubtail showing subgenital plate
Abdomen tip of female rapids clubtail showing subgenital plate — Dan Jackson
photo of Immature female rapids clubtail
Immature female rapids clubtail — Dan Jackson
photo of Close-up of immature female rapids clubtail face
Close-up of immature female rapids clubtail face — Dan Jackson
photo of Close-up of immature female rapids clubtail thorax
Close-up of immature female rapids clubtail thorax — Dan Jackson
This site is produced in conjunction with the Wisconsin Aquatic and Terrestrial Resources Inventory and sponsored by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The information presented on this site is subject to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources' Legal Notices, Disclaimers, and Terms of Use.