Mustached Clubtail
Hylogomphus adelphus
This record describes Hylogomphus adelphus (species). Recorded family: Gomphidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
Adult: face white or pale green with two horizontal black stripes - hence the common name, Mustached Clubtail; eyes green (or brown in young adults); thorax with broad U-shaped dorsal stripes, pale gray or greenish (or bright yellow in young adults); side of thorax pale gray with two oblique black lines, the anterior one usually broken in middle; abdomen black with small pale dorsal triangle at base of each segment except last three; second- and third-last abdominal segments black dorsally, sometimes with small lateral yellow or pale gray spots, especially in female - which may also have small yellow lateral spots on the other abdominal segments; abdomen of female thicker and with less swollen club than in male
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Often perches on shrubs along banks of fast-flowing rivers. Also found beside lakes and ponds with rocky shores.
Geographic Range
A cold-tolerant species found as far north as central Ontario and northern Nova Scotia. Lives in the northeastern United States (and as far west as Minnesota), and in the Appalachians as far south as North Carolina and Tennessee.
Seasonal Activity
Adults from May to August in Wisconsin.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Adults prey on flying insects. Larvae prey on aquatic invertebrates.
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Hylogomphus adelphus. 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 Mustached Clubtail (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Stephen_WV , Robin McLeod , Tony-2 , Nick Block
Frequently Asked Questions About Mustached Clubtail
What is Mustached Clubtail?
Mustached Clubtail (Hylogomphus adelphus) is a species in the family Gomphidae, within the order Odonata.
How big is Mustached Clubtail?
body length 43-47 mm
How do you identify Mustached Clubtail?
Adult: face white or pale green with two horizontal black stripes - hence the common name, Mustached Clubtail; eyes green (or brown in young adults); thorax with broad U-shaped dorsal stripes, pale gray or greenish (or bright yellow in young adults); side of thorax pale gray with two oblique black lines, the anterior one usually broken in middle; abdomen black with small pale dorsal triangle at base of each segment except last three; second- and third-last abdominal segments black dorsally, sometimes with small lateral yellow or pale gray spots, especially in female - which may also have small yellow lateral spots on the other abdominal segments; abdomen of female thicker and with less swollen club than in male
Where is Mustached Clubtail found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Often perches on shrubs along banks of fast-flowing rivers. Also found beside lakes and ponds with rocky shores. |
| Range | A cold-tolerant species found as far north as central Ontario and northern Nova Scotia. Lives in the northeastern United States (and as far west as Minnesota), and in the Appalachians as far south as North Carolina and Tennessee. |
What does Mustached Clubtail eat?
The diet of the Mustached Clubtail includes Adults prey on flying insects. Larvae prey on aquatic invertebrates..
When is Mustached Clubtail active?
Mustached Clubtail: seasonal activity - Adults from May to August in Wisconsin..