Zebra clubtail

Stylurus scudderi

Species Type: invertebrate

Conservation Status: special concern

IDENTIFICATION

The zebra clubtail ranges between 2.4” to 2.5”. It has black and yellow patterning and aqua-blue eyes. The black abdomen has pale yellow rings. It has a well-developed club similar to a wide-tipped clubtail. Females have a thicker abdomen with a series of pale lateral spots.

Distribution & Habitat

The zebra clubtail has only been recorded at three locations in northern New Jersey. It inhabits clean rivers and streams with an abundance of sand and mud substrates. Its full range is north to the Canadian Maritimes, south to Georgia and west to Wisconsin.

Diet

Nymphs feed on a wide variety of aquatic invertebrates. Adults feed on small flying insects.

Life Cycle

Throughout its range, this species occurs from June through early October. In New Jersey, the zebra clubtail is rare and has only been recorded from mid to late August.

Current Threats, Status, and Conservation

The zebra clubtail is considered a species of Special Concern in New Jersey due to its rarity and need for pristine habitat.

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: Stylurus
Species: S. scudderi