Midland clubtail
ExploreGomphus fraternus
Type: invertebrate
Status: special_concern
Species Guide
Midland clubtail
Gomphus fraternus
Species Type: invertebrate
Conservation Status: special_concern
IDENTIFICATION
Reaching 2”, the midland clubtail is a medium-sized dragonfly currently found only in northern New Jersey. Identified by pale gray-green eyes, that sometimes appear pale blue, it has thick green and black striping on thorax, and a black abdomen with pale green and yellow markings. Females are similar in appearance with a more robust abdomen.
Distribution & Habitat
Currently, the midland clubtail has only been identified twice in Sussex County, near a large river with sand and mud substrates.
Diet
Nymphs eat a wide variety of aquatic insects; adults feed on flying insects.
Life Cycle
Little is known about the flight season of the midland clubtail in New Jersey; however previous encounters have been in June.
Current Threats, Status, and Conservation
Due to its rarity in New Jersey (it has only been seen twice), the midland clubtail is considered a species of Special Concern.
References
Text derived from the book, Field Guide to Dragonflies and Damselflies of New Jersey. 2009. By Allen E. Barlow and Jim Bangma.
Edited and updated by Karena Di Leo in 2011.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Odonata
- Family: Gomphidae
- Genus: Gomphus
- Species: G. fraternus