Extra-striped snaketail

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Ophiogomphus anomalus

Type: invertebrate

Status: special_concern

Species Guide

Extra-striped snaketail

Ophiogomphus anomalus

Species Type: invertebrate

Conservation Status: special_concern

IDENTIFICATION

Averaging 1.7” in length, the extra-striped snaketail has black lateral thoracic stripes forming an N shape above the base of the legs. The legs are all black and the abdomen is mostly black with yellow dorsal markings.

Distribution & Habitat

The extra-striped snaketail is an historic species in New Jersey. It was last observed in northwest Sussex County in 1920. The species’ habitat is large rivers and streams where there are sediments appropriate for the burrowing larvae.

Diet

Adults feed on flying insects including damselflies, moths and butterflies. The nymphs prey on small burrowing aquatic invertebrates.

Life Cycle

Though little is known about the extra-stripped snaketail in New Jersey, the species should be found similar to other snaketail species from late May to early July.

Current Threats, Status, and Conservation

Due to its historic status, the extra-stripped snaketail is considered a species of Special Concern in New Jersey.

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: Ophiogomphus
  • Species: O. anomalus