Extra-striped Snaketail
Ophiogomphus anomalus
This record describes Ophiogomphus anomalus (species). Recorded family: Gomphidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
Has an extra black stripe on the thorax: Also has black stripes on the face and black legs.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Rivers
Geographic Range
Northeast US, Atlantic Canada, and around the Great Lakes
Seasonal Activity
Late spring to mid summer.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Extra-striped is for the extra thoracic stripe compared to other snaketails. Presumably, anomalus is as well.
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Ophiogomphus anomalus. 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 Extra-striped Snaketail (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jason Forbes
Frequently Asked Questions About Extra-striped Snaketail
What is Extra-striped Snaketail?
Extra-striped Snaketail (Ophiogomphus anomalus) is a species in the family Gomphidae, within the order Odonata.
How do you identify Extra-striped Snaketail?
Has an extra black stripe on the thorax: Also has black stripes on the face and black legs.
Where is Extra-striped Snaketail found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Rivers |
| Range | Northeast US, Atlantic Canada, and around the Great Lakes |
When is Extra-striped Snaketail active?
Extra-striped Snaketail: seasonal activity - Late spring to mid summer..