Blue-faced Ringtail
Erpetogomphus eutainia
This record describes Erpetogomphus eutainia (species). Recorded family: Gomphidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
Only clubtail with blue on the face and thorax. The rings on the abdominal segments are also distinctive. can be quite common along the shore lines of both the San Marcos and Guadalupe Rivers (OC)
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
San Marcos and Guadalupe Rivers of Central Texas south through Mexico to Costa Rica - Map (OC)
Seasonal Activity
has a long flight season (OC)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Erpetogomphus eutainia Calvert, 1905
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Erpetogomphus eutainia. 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 Blue-faced Ringtail (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jason Forbes; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Blue-faced Ringtail
What is Blue-faced Ringtail?
Blue-faced Ringtail (Erpetogomphus eutainia) is a species in the family Gomphidae, within the order Odonata.
How big is Blue-faced Ringtail?
Total length: 47-51 mm (OC)
How do you identify Blue-faced Ringtail?
Only clubtail with blue on the face and thorax. The rings on the abdominal segments are also distinctive.
Where is Blue-faced Ringtail found?
Range: San Marcos and Guadalupe Rivers of Central Texas south through Mexico to Costa Rica - Map (OC)
When is Blue-faced Ringtail active?
Blue-faced Ringtail: seasonal activity - has a long flight season (OC).