Tamaulipan Clubtail
Gomphurus gonzalezi
This record describes Gomphurus gonzalezi (species). Recorded family: Gomphidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
This is a TPWD Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) It's also on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Starr, Hidalgo, & Cameron Co., TX / n. Mex. (San Luis Potosi) - Map
Seasonal Activity
an early spring emerger.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Gomphurus gonzalezi Dunkle 1992
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Gomphurus gonzalezi. 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 Tamaulipan Clubtail (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ben Coulter; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Tamaulipan Clubtail
What is Tamaulipan Clubtail?
Tamaulipan Clubtail (Gomphurus gonzalezi) is a species in the family Gomphidae, within the order Odonata.
How big is Tamaulipan Clubtail?
Total length: 47-50 mm
Where is Tamaulipan Clubtail found?
Range: Starr, Hidalgo, & Cameron Co., TX / n. Mex. (San Luis Potosi) - Map
When is Tamaulipan Clubtail active?
Tamaulipan Clubtail: seasonal activity - an early spring emerger..