Gomphus septima
Type: invertebrate
Status: special concern
Species Guide
Septima's clubtail
Gomphus septima
Species Type: invertebrate
Conservation Status: special concern
IDENTIFICATION
This large species reaches 2.2” and has a dark brown and pale green coloring. The eyes are grayish green and the abdomen is dark brown with yellow spots. The female has wider dorsal markings and paler legs.
Distribution & Habitat
The Septima’s clubtail found in New Jersey is a disjunct regional subspecies, found along the Delaware River in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York. It is found only in few segments of the Delaware River where major tributaries join the river.
Diet
Larvae are predatory and adults feed on other invertebrates
Life Cycle
In late May emergence takes place and the adults are active throughout June.
Current Threats, Status, and Conservation
The Septima’s clubtail is considered a species of Special Concern in New Jersey. It is one of the rarest clubtails In North America.
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. septima