Midland clubtail

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Gomphus 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