Rusty Snaketail
Ophiogomphus rupinsulensis
This record describes Ophiogomphus rupinsulensis (species). Recorded family: Gomphidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
Mostly brownish abdomen with sparse thoracic striping. Thorax looks entirely green from a distance. Male Female
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Large rivers, can be found perched in weedy fields near breeding sites
Geographic Range
Manitoba, southeast to Tennessee, northeast to New Brunswick https://www.odonatacentral.org/app/#/maps/?filterqs=%7Cexcludeinat%7Ctaxons%3A46470
Seasonal Activity
May-September in some areas
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Ophiogomphus rupinsulensis. 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 Rusty Snaketail (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Tyler Hedlund
Frequently Asked Questions About Rusty Snaketail
What is Rusty Snaketail?
Rusty Snaketail (Ophiogomphus rupinsulensis) is a species in the family Gomphidae, within the order Odonata.
How do you identify Rusty Snaketail?
Mostly brownish abdomen with sparse thoracic striping. Thorax looks entirely green from a distance. Male Female
Where is Rusty Snaketail found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Large rivers, can be found perched in weedy fields near breeding sites |
| Range | Manitoba, southeast to Tennessee, northeast to New Brunswick https://www.odonatacentral.org/app/#/maps/?filterqs=%7Cexcludeinat%7Ctaxons%3A46470 |
When is Rusty Snaketail active?
Rusty Snaketail: seasonal activity - May-September in some areas.