Pronghorn Clubtail
Phanogomphus graslinellus
This record describes Phanogomphus graslinellus (species). Recorded family: Gomphidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
face greenish-yellow, scarcely marked with brown; thorax green with well-defined dorsal and lateral stripes; middorsal thoracic stripe parallel-sided; antehumeral stripe largely fused with humeral stripe, but diverging at upper end and becoming free (thin pale line separates these two stripes medially); remaining thoracic stripes present and well separated; legs brown, becoming black distally, with yellow stripe externally on tibiae; abdomen dark brown or black with pronounced club; yellow middorsal stripe interrupted, appearing as large spearheads on segments 1-7; segment 8 has little yellow dorsally, but wide stripe present on segments 9-10; laterally, segments 8-10 brightly marked with yellow; male caudal appendages dark brown [adapted from description by Odonata Central]
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
ponds, lakes, and slow-moving areas of small and large streams
Geographic Range
central part of United States and southern Canada: Ontario to British Columbia, south in a V shape to Texas (absent from US Atlantic and Pacific coasts)
Seasonal Activity
adults from March to July
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Phanogomphus graslinellus. 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 Pronghorn Clubtail (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod
Frequently Asked Questions About Pronghorn Clubtail
What is Pronghorn Clubtail?
Pronghorn Clubtail (Phanogomphus graslinellus) is a species in the family Gomphidae, within the order Odonata.
How big is Pronghorn Clubtail?
body length 44-54 mm
How do you identify Pronghorn Clubtail?
face greenish-yellow, scarcely marked with brown; thorax green with well-defined dorsal and lateral stripes; middorsal thoracic stripe parallel-sided; antehumeral stripe largely fused with humeral stripe, but diverging at upper end and becoming free (thin pale line separates these two stripes medially); remaining thoracic stripes present and well separated; legs brown, becoming black distally, with yellow stripe externally on tibiae; abdomen dark brown or black with pronounced club; yellow middorsal stripe interrupted, appearing as large spearheads on segments 1-7; segment 8 has little yellow dorsally, but wide stripe present on segments 9-10; laterally, segments 8-10 brightly marked with yellow; male caudal appendages dark brown [adapted from description by Odonata Central]
Where is Pronghorn Clubtail found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | ponds, lakes, and slow-moving areas of small and large streams |
| Range | central part of United States and southern Canada: Ontario to British Columbia, south in a V shape to Texas (absent from US Atlantic and Pacific coasts) |
When is Pronghorn Clubtail active?
Pronghorn Clubtail: seasonal activity - adults from March to July.