Stillwater Clubtail
Arigomphus lentulus
This record describes Arigomphus lentulus (species). Recorded family: Gomphidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
The two brown shoulder stripes are about the same size. Thorax is a muted yellowish green. From abdominal segements 3 to 6 there are pale rings, and this part of the abdomen looks unusually pale at first glance. Segments 7 to 9 are a ruddy brown, with segment 8 the darkest of the three. Segment 10 is yellowish. The femora and tibiae are pale.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Like other members of the genus, this species can breed in calm waters, hence the common name. This is a fairly unusual trait among Clubtails.
Geographic Range
Among the states reporting this species are: AR, IL, IN, KS, MO, MS, OK, and TX.
Seasonal Activity
Spring to mid-summer.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Small flying insects.
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Arigomphus lentulus. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Odonata includes ~6,000 described species of dragonflies and damselflies. Dragonflies are among the fastest flying insects, reaching 36 mph (58 km/h). They can fly in any direction including backward, and hover in place - each wing operates independently.
Ecological role of the group
Dragonflies predate dinosaurs by nearly 100 million years - fossils date to 325 million years ago. The largest dragonfly ancestor, Meganeuropsis permiana (285 mya), had a 75cm wingspan, enabled by atmospheric oxygen levels of 31-35% compared to today's 21%. Dragonflies have a 95% hunting success rate - the highest of any predator.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Dragonflies are voracious predators that consume hundreds of mosquitoes daily, providing natural pest control worth millions in reduced mosquito-borne disease risk. A single dragonfly can eat 30 to hundreds of mosquitoes per day.
Recorded sources for this group: Natural History Museum London, Britannica, fossil record research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Stillwater Clubtail (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Stephen_WV
Frequently Asked Questions About Stillwater Clubtail
What is Stillwater Clubtail?
Stillwater Clubtail (Arigomphus lentulus) is a species in the family Gomphidae, within the order Odonata.
How big is Stillwater Clubtail?
Average size 50-55 mm.
How do you identify Stillwater Clubtail?
The two brown shoulder stripes are about the same size. Thorax is a muted yellowish green. From abdominal segements 3 to 6 there are pale rings, and this part of the abdomen looks unusually pale at first glance. Segments 7 to 9 are a ruddy brown, with segment 8 the darkest of the three. Segment 10 is yellowish. The femora and tibiae are pale.
Where is Stillwater Clubtail found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Like other members of the genus, this species can breed in calm waters, hence the common name. This is a fairly unusual trait among Clubtails. |
| Range | Among the states reporting this species are: AR, IL, IN, KS, MO, MS, OK, and TX. |
What does Stillwater Clubtail eat?
The diet of the Stillwater Clubtail includes Small flying insects..
When is Stillwater Clubtail active?
Stillwater Clubtail: seasonal activity - Spring to mid-summer..