Darners, Clubtails, Petaltails, Spiketails, & Cruisers of the Southwest USA

Southwestern distribution maps are up dated every January and based on information originally collected by Dennis Paulson (thru 2007), please go to Odonata Central for the most current information

DIRECTIONS: Click on the image of the type of dragonfly you want to identify/learn more about. Or just scroll down the page. The Skimmers and Emeralds are on the former page: use your back button or click here to access that page.
	DARNERS - Aeshnidae ...pg. 58 sizes: large, robust; fast; lengths: 56 - 116 mm males: brilliant blue and/or green with brown females: 2 or more forms, one like males; others green and/or yellow instead of blue; brown and/or purple base habitats: lakes, creeks, rivers; fields behaviors: usually seen in flight; patrol waterways but also often seen catching insects over fields; perch by hanging vertically; oviposit into floating vegetation; some swarm; some migrate; when cool, blue coloration darkens 5 SW genera, including 18 species: Mosaic Darners, Aeshna* - 10 SW species New research in 2003 split the genus Aeshna* Blue-eyed Darners, Rhionaeschna* - 4 SW species New research in 2003 split these from the genus Aeshna* Mosaic &/or Blue-eyed Darners, Aeshna/Rhionaeschna - large bluish eyes; mosaic pattern; quite similar; upper appendages differ Green Darners Anax - 2 SW species: large green eyes, both very similar except for Giant Darner's much larger size; the Common Green Darner is known to be a mass migrant Malachite Darner Remartinia- 1 SW species: lime-green and brown Riffle Darners Oplonaeschna- 1 SW species: top of segment 10 has a fingerlike projection
Photos Darner exuvia The exoskeleton left behind when a darner nymph metamorphoses to become a flier.	How to Identify Female Darners example: female Blue-eyed Darner Rhionaeschna multicolor - non-male like color form...pg. 59 To identify female Darners, use color of the line across face, presence (Rhionaeschna) or lack (Aeshna) of a small bump under first segment, the presence or lack of paired blue spots on abdomen underside, the presence and/or shape of thoracic top and side stripes, and the ovipositor length. Use of an identification key is often necessary.
Photos male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male in flight- AZ male in flight- AZ multiple images- AZ male & female - AZ multiple images - AZ female - AZ female ovipositing - AZ female, non-male like form - CA male top view - CA male side view - CA male top & side views - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA males - CA male - CA male side view - CA appendages - CA female - CO images - CO male - NM male - NV male - NV pair in wheel- NV female ovipositing - NV male - UT female - UT Scans male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male-colored female - CA green colored female - CA exuvia - CA	Blue-eyed Darner Rhionaeschna multicolor ...pg. 60 size: large, length 60 - 74 mm, wingspan 86 - 98 mm male: bright blue eyes & face; line across face light brown, not black; broad blue stripes on thorax sides are uniform in width; two stripes on top of thorax also; abdomen appears almost all blue when in flight, but is mosaic blue, black and copper; appendages forked - wrench shaped when seen from side; spots top segment 10 pale and widely separated; bump under 1st segment; 3 cells in hindwing super-triangle female: facial line pale brown; bump under first segment habitat: ponds, lakes, slow streams SW flight period: February - December SW distribution: all Southwest Southwestern distribution map
Photos male & female - AZ female side view - AZ multiple images - AZ multiple SW images appendages male side view - TX multiple images - TX male side view - TX female - TX images from Google Scans male - AZ female	Arroyo Darner Rhionaeschna dugesi ...pg. 155 size: large, length 70 - 74 mm, wingspan 96 - 108 mm male: like Blue-eyed Darner but appendages not forked/wrench shaped; bright blue eyes & face; broad blue stripes thorax sides with the first lateral stripe widened downward and the second lateral stripe widening upwards, also a slight extension on top of stripes; abdomen appears almost all blue when in flight, but is mosaic blue, black and copper; bump under 1st segment In New Mexico, the Arroyo Darner has a dusky brown to bright gold band across the top of the face, and the costa along the front of the wing is sky blue which helps distinguish it form the Blue-eyed Darner female: facial line pale brown; bump under first segment; spots top seg.10 closely spaced; side stripes show slight extension at the top habitat: pools of mountain streams in pine and oak habitats SW flight period: May - October SW distribution: AZ, NM Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - CA male top view - CA male side view - CA multiple images - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA appendages - CA multiple images - CA female - CA female ovipositing - CA Scans males - CA male - CA young male - CA pair - CA male-colored female - CA emerging nymph - CA exuvia - CA	California Darner Rhionaeschna californica ...pg. 61 size: large, length 56 - 64 mm, wingspan 70 - 82 mm male: small for family; sky blue eyes & spots, immature grayer; face pale blue with black line; thin pale blue thoracic side stripes curve slightly backwards; thin stripes or none thorax top; appendages simple, without small spine; spots on segment 10 closer together than on 9; bump under 1st segment; 3 cells in hindwing super-triangle female: facial line black; bump under first segment habitat: ponds, lakes, slow streams SW flight period: February - August; most often seen early in the season SW distribution: CA, CO, NV, UT Southwestern distribution map
Photos male & female - AZ multiple images - AZ male - CA male - CA male - Nicaragua appendages Scans male - TX female - TX	Turquoise-tipped Darner Rhionaeschna psilus ...pg. 155 size: large, length 58 - 60 mm, wingspan 74 - 84 mm male: small and dark for a darner; blue eyes and blue face with only a faint colored line across; long, wide green or blue stripes on sides and top of thorax are wavy and uneven; spots on abdomen small and green colored except for blue on segment 2 and sometimes blue spots on 10; pale blue color on underside of segments 9 & 10 is diagnostic; bump under 1st segment; appendages simple, without a true spine female: thorax similarly marking to male; bump under first segment; spots on abd. small and green colored; long appendages habitat: ponds, ditches and sluggish streams SW flight period: April - late October SW distribution: AZ & has been found once in Orange Co. CA (2007) Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ multiple images - AZ multiple images - AZ male - NM male - Nicaragua in flight appendages Scans male - Costa Rica female - Costa Rica	Malachite Darner Remartinia luteipennis ...pg. 155 AKA Coryphaeschna luteipennis (archaic) size: large, length 58 - 60 mm, wingspan 74 - 84 mm male: bold wide bright lime-green and brown thoracic top and side stripes; small blue-green triangles atop very dark abdomen; blue eyes and face; distinctive female: blue eyes; green face; very short appendages habitat: weedy ponds, lakes, ditches and sluggish streams SW flight period: July - early November SW distribution: AZ, uncommon Southwestern distribution map
Photos male top view - ID male side view - ID multiple images - MT male - BC multiple images - AK male - Netherlands! appendages female - WA Scans male - WA female - WA male wing	Sedge Darner Aeshna juncea...pg. 62 size: very large, length 66 - 75 mm, wingspan 82 - 98 mm male: thorax side stripes relatively broad, straight edged but tapered, stripes are blue above, greenish-yellow and widest at bottom; face greenish blue with black line; large, closely spaced spots on segment 10; HW anal triangle - two cells; appendages paddle-shaped, no spine female: black facial line; no bump under 1st segment habitat: slow waters in forested areas; boggy pondsin mountains esp. with sedge meadows behavior:hovers over sedge meadows SW flight period: July - August SW distribution: CO, NM, UT Southwestern distribution map
Photos male & female - AZ multiple images - AZ male top view - CA male side view - CA 2 males - CA multiple images - CA male - CA male - CA males - CA male - CA multiple images - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA male - CO male in flight - CO male - UT male - UT pair in wheel - UT pair - UT appendages Scans male - AZ male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA female, green form - CA female, blue form - CA female - CA female - CA female - OR	Variable Darner Aeshna interrupta...pg. 63 size: very large, length 62 - 77 mm, wingspan 89 - 102 mm male: dark; thorax side stripes interrupted or very narrow; top stripes very narrow or missing; dark bluish eyes; face pale greenish yellow - black line; abdomen spots sky-blue, small spots segment 10 more widely separated than on 9, no spots underside; HW anal triangle - 2 cells; appendages lack spine female: facial line black; no bump under first segment habitat: mountain lakes, ponds, bogs SW flight period: May - October SW distribution: all Southwest Southwestern distribution map
Photos male & female - WA multiple images - AK male - MT multiple images - MT male - MA Scans male - WA male top - BC male side - BC female - WA	Zigzag Darner Aeshna stichensis ...pg. 154 size: very small, length 54 - 64 mm, wingspan 74 - 84 mm male: sides of thorax have zigzag stripes; pale yellow face with black line; HW anal triangle - 2 cells; appendages lack spine female: facial line black; no bump under first segment behavior: while most darners prefer to hang perch (vertically) Zigzag often perches flat on rocks/logs habitat: small bog pools, even moss fens with puddles SW flight period: ~July - ~September SW distribution: UT Southwestern distribution map
Photos male top view - CA male side view - CA male side view - CA male side view - CA male side view - CA male side view - CA male side view - CA multiple images - CA male close-up - CA appendages - CA mulitple female images - CA female ovispositing - CA Scans male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - OR female - CA	Walker's Darner Aeshna walkeri...pg. 64 size: very large, length 72 - 77 mm, wingspan 87 - 100 mm male: face, thoracic stripes nearly white; clear wings, black veins & stigma; abdomen spots large, fewer small spots than other Aeshna; no spots top segment 10, those on segment 9 fused; no blue spots underside; flared paddle-shaped appendages with small spine; 3 cells hw anal triangle; flies late in season female: facial line thin, black; no bump; jet black stigma habitat: mostly creeks & streams SW flight period: early May - November SW distribution: CA, NV Southwestern distribution map
Photos male side view - CA male side view - CA multiple images - CA young male - CA female - CA female - CO female - NM appendages Scans male top view - CA male side view - CA male multiple images - CA male - CA male top view - CA male side view - CA	Shadow Darner Aeshna umbrosa...pg. 65 size: very large, length 67 - 78 mm, wingspan 86 - 100 mm male: sometimes appears darker, showing less blue than other Mosaic Darners or as blue as most; frontal thoracic stripe green; straight side stripes are green to blue, with a rearward extenstion at the top; paired pale blue spots underside of abdomen; paired blue spots underside of abdomen; no blue spots top of segment 10; appendages paddle-shaped with small spine; 3 cells in hw anal triangle; flies late in season female: chocolate brown; no bump; pale spots underside habitat: often flies in the shade SW flight period: July - November (once found in CA in Feb.!) SW distribution: CA, CO, NV, NM, UT Southwestern distribution map
Photos male top view - AZ male side view - AZ male side view - AZ male side view - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male side view - AZ male side view - AZ male side view - AZ male - AZ appendages - AZ female - AZ female - AZ female - AZ multiple images - AZ female - AZ female top view - AZ female - AZ female & male - NM Scans male female	Persephone's darner Aeshna persephone...pg. 67 size: very large, length 72 - 79 mm, wingspan 100 - 103 mm male: thorax side stripes broad, parallel sided, yellow; blue eyes; pale green face, black facial line; sky blue mosaic pattern on abdomen less pronounced than on other Aeshna; fused spot segment 9 tri-lobed, spots on 10 reduced or missing; appendages paddle-shaped with small spine female: wide yellow side stripes; no bump under 1st segment habitat: desert canyons, along shaded streams SW flight period: late July - November SW distribution: AZ, CO, NM, UT; rare all Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - AZ multiple images - AZ male top view - CA male side view - CA male, multiple images - CA multiple images - CA male flying - CA male flying - CA male flying - CA female - CA female ovipositing - CA male - CO multiple images - CO male, multiple images - UT female, multiple images - UT male appendages Scans male - CA male - CA male - CA female - CA female - CA	Paddle-tailed Darner Aeshna palmata...pg. 66 size: very large, length 62 - 75 mm, wingspan 84 - 97 mm male: face & thoracic stripes greenish; black line across face; clear wings; in SW, blue spots on top of 9th & 10th abdominal segments usually fused (see p. 58); many small spots; underside of abdomen dark; 3 cells in HW anal triangle; flared paddle-shaped appendages with small spine female: facial line black; no bump under first segment; terminal appendages widest at central point; styli of ovipositor extend beyond the last segment habitat: ponds, lakes, small streams SW flight period: May - November SW distribution: all SW forested areas Southwestern distribution map
Photos male top view male - OR multiple images - MT male top view - BC male side view male side view male - BC pair - BC appendages female - NJ female - NJ Scans male - WA female - NE	Lance-tipped Darner Aeshna constricta ...pg. 68 size: very large, length 65 - 73 mm, wingspan 88 - 100 mm male: face pale green-yellow; fine brown facial line; side stripes on thorax indented and extended; abdomen's spots blue-green inc. segment 10; 3 cells in HW anal triangle similar species: like Paddle-tailed but lacks a black line across the face and the spots atop seg. 9 are not fused female: brown with blue-green/yellow spots; no bump; light brown or no line across face; terminal appendages lance-shaped (come to a pointed at ends); styli of ovipositor much shorter than the length of last segment, do not protrude habitat: slow streams and ponds in open marshes SW flight period: August - September SW distribution:CO, NM, NV, UT Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - in hand, CA male, in hand - WA male & female - OR multiple images - MT male - CN male - TX multiple images - Iowa male side view - NY appendages Scans male - CA male - CA female - CA female - BC	Canada Darner Aeshna canadensis ...pg. 68 & inside front cover dust jacket size: large, length 64 - 73 mm, wingspan 86 - 99 mm male: thorax side stripes relatively broad; front stripe deeply indented upper half, green, yellow &/or blue; lt. brown facial line; underside of abdomen has paired pale spots; top of last segment has pale spots; anal triangle hind wing - 2 cells; appendages paddle-shaped female: facial line light brown; no bump under segment 1; paired spots underside of abdomen habitat: ponds, lakes, especially beaver ponds SW flight period: August - October SW distribution: CA Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - CO male - WA multiple images - MT male, close-up - BC multiple images - AK male - ON female - MI female - MI male appendages female - MT female - Manitoba exuvia - Canada Scans male - WA female	Lake Darner Aeshna eremita ...pg. 68 size: very large, 66 - 79 mm, wingspan 85 - 104 mm male: thorax side stripes relatively broad, blue-green (no yellow); front stripe deeply indented; face yellow-green with black line; blue patch below spiracle; lg. spots on 10th segment; anal triangle hind wing - 2 cells; appendages simple - paddle-shaped female: black facial line habitat: mostly forested regions; mountain lakes and ponds SW flight period: August SW distribution: CO, UT Southwestern distribution map
Photos male side view - AZ male side view - AZ male side view - AZ male side view - AZ male & female - AZ male & female - AZ female - AZ female ovipositing - AZ appendages - AZ multiple images - AZ multiple SW images Scans male female	Riffle Darner Oplonaeschna armata...pg. 69 size: very large, length 66 - 75 mm, wingspan 92 - 110 mm male: very similar to Mosaic darners; deep blue eyes; strongly indented side thoracic stripes blue above, yellow below; abdomen spots a bit smaller than on Mosaic darners; appendages paddle-shaped with spine & a toothed projection near tip; top of segment 10 has a fingerlike projection female: short; yellow, blue &/or green spots; no bump habitat: rocky streams in oak & pine woodlands SW flight period: May - November SW distribution: AZ, CA, NM, UT (rare) Southwestern distribution map
Photos male & female - AZ female - AZ pair in wheel - AZ multiple images - AZ male & female - AZ male & female - AZ teneral - AZ male - CA male - CA multiple images - CA male eating a flame skimmer - CA male & female - CA multiple images - CA pair - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA male - CO male - NM female - NM pair ovipositing - NM pair ovipositing - NV male in flight - NV female ovipositing - NV male - UT female - UT nymph images Scans male - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA exuvia - CA male - NM male - NM	Common Green Darner Anax junius...pg. 70 size: very large, 63 - 84 mm, wingspan 92 - 103 mm male: more solidly colored than Mosaic Darners; green eyes and yellow-green face; solid green thorax; blue abdomen with wide dark stripe on top; wings can be clear or show yellowish tinge; abdomen carried straight in flight female: most purplish brown with green; rarer form colored like male; all have brown eyes habitat: fields and waterways behavior: only darner to tandem oviposit; females also lay eggs unguarded SW flight period: all months in south, migratory SW distribution: all Southwest Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - AZ males - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ multiple images - AZ male top view - CA male side view - CA male side view - CA male top view - CA male close-up - CA male side view - CA male top view - CA male - CA male - CA multiple images - CA female - CA female ovipositing - CA females ovipositing - CA multiple images - CA male(s) - CA male in flight - CA Scans male - AZ male - CA male - CA female - CA exuvia - CA male - NM male - NM	Giant Darner Anax walsinghami...pg. 71 size: huge, male 99 - 116 mm, wingspan 115 - 137 mm male: coloring like Common Green Darner but very long blue & dark patterned abdomen that droops in flight; solid green thorax; eyes blue on top female: like male; smaller; less blue; 88 - 98 mm, wingspan 112 -122 mm habitat: canyon & spring-fed streams, marshes, lakes in arid areas SW flight period: April - October SW distribution: AZ, CA, NM, NV, UT Southwestern distribution map
Photos interesting exuviae pile-up!	Clubtails - Gomphidae ...pg. 72 sizes: large, lengths: 39 - 70 mm males: most have an enlarged area at end of abdomen; black, brown, green and/or yellow patterned; clear wings with wide stigmas; small eyes widely separated; sprawling legs; well camouflaged; no blue or red coloring females: often yellow where male green; bodies cylindrical habitats: life cycle of 2 years usually in rivers, streams behaviors: males perch on ground/rocks at beach in sunlit areas; females more often found out on vegetation 10 SW genera totaling 26 species including: Clubtails - narrow pale triangles down top of black/brown abdomen; some occur at ponds and lakes 2 SW genera: *Gomphus,* & Stylurus: 7 SW species Forceptails Aphylla - 1 SW species Pond Clubtails Arigomphus - 1 SW species Grappletail Octogomphus - 1 SW species: abdomen thin & less patterned than others Leaftails Phyllogomphoides - 2 SW species Ringtails Erpetogomphus - 6 SW species: ringed appearance to abdomen; short legs Sanddragon Progomphus - 2 SW species: narrow clubbed abdomen; short legs Snaketails Ophiogomphus - 5 SW speciea: 5 very similar species; most in arid lands Spinylegs Octogomphus - 1 SW species
Photos male - CA male - CA male - CA unusual male - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA Scans mature male - CA female - CA female - CA male - OR male - OR	Grappletail Octogomphus specularis...pg. 73 size: large, length 49 - 53 mm, wingspan 60 - 82 mm male: face yellow, eyes dark gray; thorax top - large bold gray- green/yellow urn shaped mark; very thin abdomen almost all black showing less yellow than any other SW clubtail; black legs & stigma; appendages grapple-like female: thin yellow line top of cylindrical abdomen habitat: rivers with riffles in wooded hillsides SW flight period: April - October SW distribution: CA, NV Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - IA male immature male multiple images Scans male - MT	Horned Clubtail Arigomphus cornutus...not in book size: medium/large, lenght 55-57 mm, wingspan 66-79 mm male: minimally clubbed with prominantly forked appendages; pale face with blue eyes; lightly striped thorax sides female: like male with more pale color on sides of abdomen habitat: lakes, ponds and slow streams SW flight period: July - August SW distribution: CO No Southwestern distribution map yet
Photos male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ multiple images - AZ multiple images - AZ multiple images - AZ male & female - AZ female - AZ male's hold on female's eyes male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA male - NM male - NM male - NV pair in wheel - NV Scans male - CA female - CA	Gray Sanddragon Progomphus borealis...pg. 74 size: large, length 56 - 62 mm, wingspan 66 - 72 mm male: yellow face; thorax sides - large gray patches; dull pale yellow triangles top of very thin black abdomen; costa yellow; upper appendages yellow, lowers dark, same as Common Sanddragon; both arch abdomen when perching female: more gray/green habitat: sandy rivers, lakes SW flight period: late March - November SW distribution: AZ, CA, NM, NV, UT (not yet found in CO) Southwestern distribution map
Photos pair - NM male male - TX male - TX male side view - NJ nymph Scans male - TX female - TX	Common Sanddragon Progomphus obscurus ...pg. 75 size: medium/large, length 47- 55 mm, wingspan 60 - 68 mm male: very similar to Gray Sanddragon, but with two distinct yellow stripes side of thorax; yellow face; on both species the stripes top of thorax form a "W" same pale yellow triangles top of very thin black abdomen; often lacks thin yellow rings at clubbed end on segments 8 & 9; costa yellow female: less clubbed; paler coloration habitat: sandy ponds, streams SW flight period: April - late July SW distribution: CO, NM Southwestern distribution map
Photos multiple images - TX male - TX male - Iowa male male female - TX female - Iowa nymph Scans male top - TX male side - TX multiple images - TX female top - TX female side - TX	Flag-tailed Spinyleg Dromogomphus spoliatus ...pg. 155 size: medium, length 41 - 47 mm, wingspan 65 - 73 mm male: blue-gray eyes; face pale; long legs: pale rings on segments 4-6; yellowish underside of large flattened club female: no club habitat: streams, rivers with mud bottomed pools; also lakes and ponds with mud bottoms SW flight period: early July - August SW distribution: NM Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ multiple images - AZ male & female - AZ female - AZ male - CA male - CA male - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA pair - CA female - CA males & females - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA female - NM male - NV female - NV female - NV pair in cop- NV Scans male - AZ male - AZ male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA pair - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA exuvia - OR	White-belted Ringtail Erpetogomphus compositus...pg. 72/76 size: medium/large, length 46 - 55 mm, wingspan 60 - 70 mm male: thorax intricately marked green, yellow, black, middle side stripe the "white belt" conspicuous pale rings on thin dark abdomen, pale diamonds less noticeable; dark yellow club looks as if dipped in gold paint; blue-gray eyes; face pale; yellow costa; looks like composite of several other species female: no club; white belt habitat: streams, rivers SW flight period: April - November SW distribution: all SW (now found CO too) Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - AZ males - AZ male - NM male - MX female - MX Scans male female	Yellow-legged Ringtail Erpetogomphus crotalinus ...pg. 155 size: medium, length 45 - 49 mm, wingspan 61 - 72 mm male: thorax green with hardly any dark markings, appears paler than other SW Ringtails; conspicuous pale rings on thin dark abdomen, pale diamonds less noticeable; yellow club; gray eyes; face pale; yellow costa female: no club habitat: streams in arid areas SW flight period: August - October SW distribution: southern AZ, southern NM Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - NM male - NM male - NM male - NM male - NM male - NM Scans male - NM female	Dashed Ringtail Erpetogomphus heterodon...pg. 155 size: medium, length 50 - 55 mm, wingspan 64 - 74 mm male: thorax pale green to yellow green with poorly developed dark stripes, esp. on sides; yellow club has thick dark intrusions on the sides; gray eyes; face pale; yellow costa; lower legs black female: no club habitat: clear mountain streams with rocks SW flight period: late July - early October SW distribution: southern NM Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - AZ/TX male - NM female - NM male - TX female nymph Scans male - TX multiple images - TX female - TX	Eastern Ringtail Erpetogomphus designatus ... pg. 77 size: large, length 49 - 55 mm, wingspan 64 - 73 mm male: bright yellow-green striped thorax, no white, isolated dark area on top is totally contained within green area; pale blue eyes; yellow top of first two abdomen segments; pale rings conspicuous along abdomen top, less noticeable pale diamonds; golden club; wing bases have amber wash female: no club; no white belt habitat: sandy rivers, streams SW flight period: early May - October SW distribution: AZ, CO, NM, NV Southwestern distribution map
Photos male E. l. natrix - AZ male E. l. natrix - AZ male E. l. natrix - AZ male E. l. natrix - AZ male E. l. natrix - AZ male E. l. natrix - AZ male E. l. natrix multipile images - AZ female E. l. natrix - AZ male & female natrix - AZ male E. l. natrix - NM male E. l. lampropeltis - CA male E. l. lampropeltis - CA male E. l. lampropeltis - CA male E. l. lampropeltis - CA male E. l. lampropeltis, multiple images - CA Scans male natrix - AZ male natrix - AZ male natrix - AZ	Serpent Ringtail Erpetogomphus l. lampropeltis/E. l. natrix...pg. 78 size: medium/large, length 41 - 56 mm, wingspan 58 - 72 mm male: pale yellow rings on abdomen; golden "tail" no white stripe on thorax; blue eyes; two forms - same abdominal markings but different thoracic pattern and colors: E. l. natrix - uninterrupted green markings sides & top of thorax E. l. lampropeltis - gray markings thorax; mid-stripe interrupted female:* like male; no club habitat: streams, rivers SW flight period: May - November SW distribution: AZ, NM, **CA Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - AZ male - MX female - MX late season male - MX Scans male female	*Straight-tipped Ringtail Erpetogomphus elaps* FIRST AMERICAN RECORD: September 17, 2008 size: medium, length 39 - 52 mm, wingspan 51 - 64 mm male: very green species; blue eyes, green face; segments 1-6 green/blue-green on top, 4-6 usually darker; segment 7 pale green; 8-10 dark red-brown underside, dark top; thorax turns much darker late in the season (Nov.); light colored appendages, uppers are narrow and straight, lower curved at 90 degree angle; thorax green with only one dark area near head female: blue eyes, green thorax, more stout than male habitat: rocky streams, rivers SW flight period: September 17, 2008 SW distribution:** AZ - Parker Canyon Schoolhouse in Santa Cruz County Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - TX male - TX male - TX male - TX multiple images - TX multiple images - TX Scans male female	Five-striped Leaftail Phyllogomphoides albrighti ... pg. 155 size: very large, length 60 - 63 mm, wingspan 76 - 82 mm male: gray-green thorax, rear side stripe dark; pale face with brown cross stripes; pale gray eyes; middle abdominal segments ringed, but not including segment 8; club widely flanged ('leaf-like') Comparison shot with 4-striped female: flanges on club about half that of on male habitat: rivers, streams SW flight period: ~June SW distribution: NM Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - NM female - TX female - TX male - TX male - TX multiple images Scans male - TX female - TX	Four-striped Leaftail Phyllogomphoides stigmatus ... pg. 155 size: very large, length 65 - 70 mm, wingspan 82 - 84 mm male: yellow green thorax without a lower rear stripe; pale face with brown cross stripes; pale gray eyes; middle abdominal segments ringed; club widely flanged ('leaf-like'); Comparison shot with 5-striped female: flanges on club nearly as wide as on male habitat: lakes, ponds, slow rivers, streams SW flight period: May - September SW distribution: NM Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - AZ male - AZ multiple images - AZ/MX male & female - TX multiple images - TX male - TX male - TX multipile images - TX male - TX male - TX multiple images - TX Scans male - female -	Narrow-striped Forceptail Aphylla protracta size: large, length 54 - 66 mm, 71 - 99 mm male: greenish yellow face cross-barred with brown thorax - a wide dark 'shoulder' stripe and 3 equal narrower pale stripes; short dark legs; wings - clear with tan stigma & yellow costa club widely flanged on segment 8 in both sexes; appendages pincher-like female: flanges on club nearly as wide as on male habitat: muck-bottomed lakes SW flight period: found July 16-31, 2008 SW distribution: AZ (rare) Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - AZ males - AZ multiple images - AZ multiple images - CA multiple images - CA male - CA male - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA female pair in wheel - TX Scans male - CA male - CA female - CA female - CA	Russet-tipped Clubtail Stylurus plagiatus...pg. 79 size: large, length 53 - 66 mm, wingspan 74 - 83 mm males: green thorax and upper legs; 3 dark stripes thorax side; thorax top dark with pale harp shaped mark; elongated triangles atop abdomen with a ring atop each which is incomplete; CA form has blue eyes; abdominal segments 7 - 10 have yellow bands on sides; abdominal segments 8 & 9 clubbed yellow & brown or black, segment 10 all dark appendages dark and flared when seen from above females: is similar to male; dark atop 9 & 10 similar species: White-belted and Serpent Ringtails have yellow appendages habitat: deep sandy streams, rivers and irrigation ditches in arid regions SW flight period: early June - November SW distribution: AZ, so. CA, NM, so. NV Southwestern distribution map
Photos male & female - AZ male - AZ female - AZ multiple images - CA male - CA male - CA male female - CA female - CA female - CA multiple images - NM female - NM Scans male female - CA	Brimstone Clubtail Stylurus intricatus...pg. 80 size: medium/large, length 41 - 55 mm, wingspan 55 - 64 mm male: very pale; yellow rings & triangular spots with dark background along abdomen, rings around segments 3-7 only, yellow club has splayed yellow appendages edged with black; yellow head; upper legs yellow; hang-perches on wood, vegetation, not rocks along shoreline female: similar to male but clubless habitat: open desert streams/rivers SW flight period: May - November SW distribution: AZ, CA, CO, NM, NV, UT Southwestern distribution map
Photos multiple images - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA multiple images CA multiple images - CO in flight - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA male - NV female - NV Scans male - ID female - ID	Olive Clubtail Stylurus olivaceus...pg. 81 size: large, length 56 - 60 mm, wingspan 72 - 74 mm male: thorax sides tawny gray/olive green with no side stripes; thorax top has tawny treelike mark on black; abdomen segments tawny, broadly outlined in black; underside club pale yellow with the top mostly black; appendages black; wings with yellow costa, black veins female: like male; body long, clubless habitat: warm, muddy rivers or ponds SW flight period: June - September SW distribution: CA, NV, UT Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - CA male - CA male - CA males - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA female - CA female - WA Scans male - CA male - CA female - CA female - CA	Sinuous Snaketail Ophiogomphus occidentis...pg. 82 size: medium/large, length 46 - 52 mm, wingspan 58 - 69 mm male: yellow-green face with blue eyes; sides of thorax dull olive green with double, dark wavy (sinuous) lines; yellow triangles down abdomen top; club yellow under segments 8-10; five very similar Snaketails occur in the Southwest; compare by shoulder stripe width and shape female: body more cylindrical habitat: mountain rivers; lakes SW flight period: late March - August SW distribution: CA, CO?, NV, UT Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - CA male - CA male - CA multiple images - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA female - CA female - CA Scans male - CA female - CA	Bison Snaketail Ophiogomphus bison...pg. 83 size: large, length 50 - 51 mm, wingspan 60 - 70 mm male: thorax bright green; single wide straight dark shoulder stripe (can show very thin green line in middle); yellow-green face; black legs; gray-blue eyes; abdomen black with yellow triangles, inc. seg. 10; appendages yellow on top; forages from the shoreline female: body more cylindrical, less clubbed; small (bison-like) horns above eyes habitat: lowland trout streams SW flight period: April - October SW distribution: CA, NV, UT Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - AZ male and female - AZ multiple images - CA multiple images - CA male - CO male - CO male - CO male - CO male - CO male - CO male - CO images - CO male - NM male - NM female close up - NM female - NM female - NM Scans male - CA male - CA male - CA female - CA female - CA	Pale Snaketail Ophiogomphus severus ...p. 84 size: large, length 48 - 55 mm, wingspan 67 - 72 mm male: very pale coloration; green thorax, black shoulder stripe often completely missing; variable oval spots sides of thorax top; identify by location & appendages - lower appendages 75% length of uppers female: body less clubbed; stoUT habitat: pools of rocky mountain streams SW flight period: May - October SW distribution: CA, CO, NM, NV, UT, & now AZ Aug. 2004 Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male, close-up - AZ male - AZ multiple images - AZ male - NM male female Scans male female	Arizona Snaketail Ophiogomphus arizonicus...p. 84 size: large, length 48 - 55 mm, wingspan 67 - 72 mm male: almost identical to Pale Snaketail; very pale coloration; green thorax, black shoulder stripe often completely missing; variable oval spots sides of thorax top; identify by location & appendages - lower appendages 50% length of uppers female: body less clubbed; stoUT habitat: pools of rocky mountain streams SW flight period: June - October SW distribution: AZ, NM Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - CA male - CA male - CA multiple images - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA multiple images - CA female - OR male - OR male - OR Scans male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - OR male - OR female - OR	Great Basin Snaketail Ophiogomphus morrisoni...pg. 85 size: large, length 50 - 52 mm, wingspan 58 - 69 mm male: green thorax; pale shoulder stripe curved (but not wavy), connected to top pale stripe which is wide & flares near the head, looking somewhat like a pollywog; abdomen has yellow triangles down the top and yellow under clubbed segments; blue eyes; stout yellow appendages female: less clubbed, stoUT habitat: streams in arid lands SW flight period: May - August SW distribution: CA, NV Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA Scans male - CA male - CA female - CA exuvia - CA	Pacific Clubtail Gomphus kurilis...pg. 155 & inside front cover dust jacket size: medium/large, 48-53 mm, wingspan 58 - 68 mm male: green face with blue eyes; 2 broad green stripes top of thorax; stripe comes to a curved point near abdomen; thorax sides have grayish green `pistol-shaped' mark (yellow in immature); long narrow yellow-green triangular stripes down top of dark abdomen; large yellow marks undersides of expanded 8th and 9th segments; no spots on top of segments 9 & 10 (or very faint spots there); appendages dark female: less clubbed, stout; yellow where male is green habitat: only CA Clubtail found at ponds; sluggish streams in valleys; a subspecies occurs at clear mountain lakes SW flight period: March - August (however mostly a Spring/early Summer species) similar species: Bison Snaketail not found on ponds and has spots on segments; top thoracic stripe not pointed behavior: perch on rocks in water at pond side SW distribution: CA endemic; central and northern areas Southwestern distribution map In Oregon there is the similar Columbia Clubtail Gomphus lynnae It develops a thin pruinosity over its thorax.
Photos female - TX male - TX male - Iowa male side view - NE multiple images multiple images - KS multiple images - TX Scans male - TX female	Plains Clubtail Gomphus externus...pg. 155 size: medium/large, 52-59 mm, wingspan 62 - 68 mm male: yellow stripes &/or spots atop all abdominal segments; narrow brown side stripes have a thin yellow line between them; segments 8-9 mostly yellow; appendages black female: less clubbed, stout habitat: streams and rivers with muddy bottoms similar species: Pronghorn Clubtail SW flight period: March - August SW distribution: CO, NM, UT Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - ID male - ID pair - ID female - ID male - WA male - TX male - TX multiple images - TX Scans male top - TX male side - TX female top - TX female side - TX	Pronghorn Clubtail Gomphus graslinellus...pg. 155 size: medium/large, 47-59 mm, wingspan 60 - 70 mm male: boldly marked with green and yellow; blue eyes; bright yellow face; large club with segment 7 mostly black on the sides, seg. 9 top mostly yellow & rectangular shaped female: less clubbed, stout; as colorful as male habitat: ponds, lakes and slow streams similar species: Plains Clubtail behavior: doesn't hover over riffles SW flight period: ~June - ~July SW distribution: CO Southwestern distribution map
Photos teneral male & female - CO male - NM male - NM pair - NM multiple images - TX multiple images - Iowa Scans male - TX female - TX	Sulphur-tipped Clubtail Gomphus militaris...pg. 155 size: medium/large, 47-53 mm, wingspan 60 - 70 mm male: like Pronghorn but more yellow and paler; pale shoulder stripe; blue eyes; bright yellow face; large club with segments 7-9 deep yellow on top female: less clubbed, stout; markings like male habitat: ponds, lakes and slow streams with mud bottoms similar species: Pronghorn Clubtail SW flight period: May - September SW distribution: CO, NM Southwestern distribution map
Photos	mixed families (large, black & yellow): ...pg. 86 sizes: large; lengths: 54 - 85 mm males: members of these families & genera have dark background color with yellow markings on the thorax and abdomen; compare by appendage shapes & side stripes females: marked like the males but bodies more stout habitats: life cycle of 2+ years in rivers, streams, seeps behaviors: Petaltail flight weak, others very strong fliers 3 SW genera totaling 5 species: Petaltail Petaluridae - 1 SW species: dark eyes do not touch; spots (not stripes) on thorax & abdomen; long stigma; petal-like appendages; nymph semi terrestrial - burrows in seeps; CA & NV (rare) Cruisers Macromiidae - 2 SW species: gray eyes just touch each other; thorax - single yellow stripe; nymph have long sprawling legs Spiketails Cordulegasteridae- 2 SW species: long legs; body arched in powerful flight; teardrop shaped blue eyes barely touch each other; thorax - two wide yellow stripes top and each side
Photos male in flight - AZ male - AZ male - AZ male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA multiple images - CA female - CA female - CA Scans male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA female - CA female - CA	Western River Cruiser Macromia magnifica ...pg. 87 size: very large, length 68 - 74 mm, wingspan 86 - 100 male: pale face; pearly gray eyes touch each other; dark thorax has single yellow side stripe; only half-length stripe on top of thorax; slightly clubbed abdomen has squared yellow spots top, segment 8 spot largest; very long legs female: like male, not clubbed nymph: sprawlers; 'spider-like' exuvia: often found under bridge supports habitat: lowlands streams & rivers SW flight period: April - September SW distribution: AZ, CA, NV, UT Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - TX male - TX female pair - TX multiple images - TX multiple images - TX Scans male top - TX male side - TX	Bronzed River Cruiser Macromia annulata ...pg. 87 size: very large, length 68 - 73 mm, wingspan 90 - 102 male: very similar to Western River Cruiser but top thoracic stripe full length; pale face; green tinted eyes touch each other; bronzy brown thorax has single yellow side stripe; top stripe nearly full length; segment 1 yellow on side; slightly clubbed abdomen has squared yellow spots top, segment 8 spot largest; very long legs female: like male, not clubbed habitat: streams & rivers in dry country SW flight period: June - August SW distribution: NM Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - AZ male - AZ male - CA male - CA male - CA male - CA multiple images - CA multiple images - CA male - CA pair in wheel - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA female - CA female ovipositing - CA female ovipositing - CA male C. d. deserticola* male - CA male C. d. deserticola* male - CA male C. d. deserticola* male - CA male C. d. deserticola* - CA nymph Scans male - CA male - CA male - CA *male, desert race - CA male - AZ female - CA	Pacific Spiketail Cordulegaster dorsalis...pg. 88 size: very large, length 70 - 85 mm, wingspan 86 - 105 male: pale face; tear drop-shaped blue eyes barely touch; dark thorax, two wide yellow stripes top & sides; abdomen dark with yellow spots segment 2- 9; powerful flyer; * C. d. deserticola (desert race) more yellow, thin yellow lines between spots female: long spike like ovipositor; dark wing tips; both sexes hang-perch habitat: hillside small wooded streams SW flight period: May - October * C. d. deserticola (desert race) June-August SW distribution: AZ, CA, CO, NM, UT; * C. d. deserticola (desert race)CA, NV, *UT? Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - AZ male - AZ male - AZ teneral male - AZ female - AZ female - AZ female - AZ female - AZ male & female - AZ multiple images - AZ male - UT Scans male female	Apache Spiketail Cordulegaster diadema ...89 size: very large, length 74 - 88 mm, wingspan 89 - 109 male: very dark appearance; narrowly separated tear-shaped aqua-blue eyes are yellow-green in juveniles; dark abdomen is banded rather than spotted, with segments 6-8 expanded, thin half-ring between bands female: similar to male; long abdomen with long spike like ovipositor; both sexes perch by hanging habitat: small mountain streams with silt bottomed pools SW flight period: April - October SW distribution: AZ, western NM, so. UT Southwestern distribution map
Photos male - CA multiple images - CA male - CA male - CA female, eating an American Emerald! - CA multiple images - CA female - CA female - CA pair & habitat - CA exuvia - CA Scans male - CA male - CA male - CA female - CA nymph - CA exuviae - CA	Black Petaltail Tanypteryx hageni ...pg. 86 size: large, length 54 - 62 mm, wingspan 68 - 76 male: dark eyes do not touch; spots (not stripes) on thorax & abdomen; long stigma; petal-like appendages female: similar to male habitat: seeps; often associated with serpentine soils and the carnivorous Pitcher Plants (Darlingtonia) behavior: perch by 'clinging;' known to perch on people! nymph are semi terrestrial - burrows in seeps SW flight period: May - August SW distribution: CA, NV (rare) Southwestern distribution map

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Kathy Biggs, Azalea Creek Publishing
Kathy Biggs

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Darners, Clubtails, Petaltails, Spiketails & Cruisers of the Southwest USA

Darners, Clubtails, Petaltails, Spiketails & Cruisers of the Southwest

DARNERS - Aeshnidae

Clubtails - Gomphidae

mixed families (large, black & yellow):