Black-shouldered Spinyleg
Dromogomphus spinosus
This record describes Dromogomphus spinosus (species). Recorded family: Gomphidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
Spines on upper leg are of two lengths, longer ones interspersed with shorter ones. Capital I on top of thorax is distinctive.
Wikipedia reference for Dromogomphus spinosus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dromogomphus_spinosus.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Rivers, streams, small lakes with sandy or muddy bottoms.
Geographic Range
Eastern US and southeastern Canada.
Seasonal Activity
End of May to mid-September in the midwest. May to November in the south.
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Dromogomphus spinosus. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Black-shouldered Spinyleg
What is Black-shouldered Spinyleg?
Black-shouldered Spinyleg (Dromogomphus spinosus) is a species in the family Gomphidae, within the order Odonata.
How big is Black-shouldered Spinyleg?
body length 54-67 mm
How do you identify Black-shouldered Spinyleg?
Spines on upper leg are of two lengths, longer ones interspersed with shorter ones. Capital I on top of thorax is distinctive.
Where is Black-shouldered Spinyleg found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Rivers, streams, small lakes with sandy or muddy bottoms. |
| Range | Eastern US and southeastern Canada. |
When is Black-shouldered Spinyleg active?
Black-shouldered Spinyleg: seasonal activity - End of May to mid-September in the midwest. May to November in the south..