Cobra clubtail

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Gomphus vastus

Type: invertebrate

Status:

Species Guide

Cobra clubtail

Gomphus vastus

Species Type: invertebrate

Conservation Status:

IDENTIFICATION

The cobra clubtail can reach between 2.0”-2.1”.   They are dark brown with pale yellow to greenish markings on their body and bright green eyes. The females are almost similar in appearance but have slightly smaller clubs and thicker abdomens.

Distribution & Habitat

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT

The cobra clubtail inhabits large rivers that have ample mud substrates and are found along the Delaware River in the Ridge & Valley and Piedmont regions in New Jersey.  Their full range is from southwestern Maine to Minnesota and south to northern Florida, Texas and Alabama.

Diet

DIET

Nymphs feed upon a variety of aquatic life.  Adults feed on other invertebrates.

Life Cycle

LIFE CYCLE

There are few records of the cobra clubtail in New Jersey. What is known suggests a short flight season limited to June after emergence in late May

Scientific Classification

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