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