Tiger spiketail

Cordulegaster erronea

Species Type: invertebrate

Conservation Status: special concern

IDENTIFICATION

The tiger spiketail is New Jersey’s only black and yellow dragonfly. It is 2.8” – 3.3” in length with yellow rings around the abdomen. These conspicuous rings are interrupted dorsally by a fine black line. The female is patterned like the male but is usually larger and has a long spike-like ovipositor at the end of the abdomen.

Distribution & Habitat

The tiger spiketail is a forest insect. It is rarely encountered in open, sun-lit areas. Permanent coldwater forest streams and seepages are the ideal breeding habitat. The presence of skunk cabbage along the stream corridor is an indicator of appropriate habitat. It is currently known to occur in the Highlands, Ridge & Valley and northern Piedmont regions. A single colony was also recently discovered in Camden County.

Diet

Nymphs feed on aquatic invertebrate; adults on flying insects.

Life Cycle

Tiger spiketails are active from mid-June through early September. The emergence period for this species is staggered. Females lay their eggs in streams.

Current Threats, Status, and Conservation

Due to the rarity of this dragonfly and its habitat, the tiger spiketail is a Special Concern species. Habitat destruction and groundwater disturbance are two of the greatest threats facing this species.

References

Text derived from the book, Field Guide to Dragonflies and Damselflies of New Jersey. 2009. By Allen E. Barlow and Jim Bangma.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Odonata
Family: Cordulegastridae
Genus: Cordulegaster
Species: C. erronea