Maine snaketail

Ophiogomphus mainensis

Species Type: invertebrate

Conservation Status: special concern

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

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

Larvae are predatory and adults feed on other invertebrates.

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.

Current Threats, Status, and Conservation

The Maine 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. mainensis