Rapids clubtail

Gomphus quadricolor

Species Type: invertebrate

Conservation Status: special concern

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

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

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

Life Cycle

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

Current Threats, Status, and Conservation

There are only three known populations of the rapids clubtail in New Jersey and the species is considered a species of Special Concern in the state.

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 Larissa Smith in 2011.

Scientific Classification

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