Rapids clubtail

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Gomphus quadricolor

Type: invertebrate

Status:

Species Guide

Rapids clubtail

Gomphus quadricolor

Species Type: invertebrate

Conservation Status:

IDENTIFICATION

At approximately 1.7”, the rapids clubtail is a small black and green clubtail with pale grayish-green eyes. The thorax is black and has two wide “L” shaped frontal stripes, black shoulder stripes and two distinctive pale lateral stripes. The female’s coloring is bright yellow on black.

Distribution & Habitat

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT

The rapids clubtail ranges from Alabama to Maine and west to Minnesota. They are found in northwestern New Jersey along rivers and streams that are moderate to fast flowing.

Diet

DIET

Nymphs feed on aquatic insects, small fish, and tadpoles.  Adults consume small aerial insects such as flies and mosquitoes.

Life Cycle

LIFE CYCLE

Rapids clubtails have a very short and early flight season from late May to late June.

Scientific Classification

  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Arthropoda
  • Class: Insecta
  • Order: Odonata
  • Family: Gomphidae
  • Genus: Gomphus
  • Species: G. quadricolor