Maine snaketail

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Ophiogomphus mainensis

Type: invertebrate

Status:

Species Guide

Maine snaketail

Ophiogomphus mainensis

Species Type: invertebrate

Conservation Status:

IDENTIFICATION

The Maine snaketail ranges between 1.8”-1.9”. Its thorax is brilliant green with wide black shoulder stripes and a black lateral stripe.  The abdomen is black with narrow indistinct dorsal and lateral markings and all black legs.

Distribution & Habitat

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT

The Maine snaketail is found in clean, fast-running trout waters that have adjacent forest canopies partially overhanging the stream. They are found in only two watersheds in New Jersey that are separated with little to no suitable habitat nearby with which to expand their range. The species’ overall range is from New Brunswick, Canada south to Georgia.

Diet

DIET

Larvae are predatory and adults feed on other invertebrates.

Life Cycle

LIFE CYCLE

This species emerges in mid-May and juveniles are flying a few days later. The best time to see the adults is in June, but they are active through the first week of July.

Scientific Classification

  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Arthropoda
  • Class: Insecta
  • Order: Odonata
  • Family: Gomphidae
  • Genus: Ophiogomphus
  • Species: O. mainensis