Harpoon Clubtail
Phanogomphus descriptus
This record describes Phanogomphus descriptus (species). Recorded family: Gomphidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Abdomen | Abdomen slender, barely clubbed, mostly black. |
| Legs | Legs black, except streak on rear tibia of female. |
| Eyes | Eyes dark grayish-green . Note distinctive harpoon-like cerci of male: |
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
near clear or sandy-bottom streams with silt-bottomed pools
Geographic Range
Northeastern United States and adjacent Canada, southward in Appalachians
Seasonal Activity
late May to July
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Phanogomphus descriptus. 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 Harpoon Clubtail (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tony; Additional contributions by cotinis
Frequently Asked Questions About Harpoon Clubtail
What is Harpoon Clubtail?
Harpoon Clubtail (Phanogomphus descriptus) is a species in the family Gomphidae, within the order Odonata.
How big is Harpoon Clubtail?
50 mm length
How do you identify Harpoon Clubtail?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Abdomen | Abdomen slender, barely clubbed, mostly black. |
| Legs | Legs black, except streak on rear tibia of female. |
| Eyes | Eyes dark grayish-green . Note distinctive harpoon-like cerci of male: |
Where is Harpoon Clubtail found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | near clear or sandy-bottom streams with silt-bottomed pools |
| Range | Northeastern United States and adjacent Canada, southward in Appalachians |
When is Harpoon Clubtail active?
Harpoon Clubtail: seasonal activity - late May to July.