Oklahoma Clubtail
Phanogomphus oklahomensis
This record describes Phanogomphus oklahomensis (species). Recorded family: Gomphidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
Considered by Oklahoma to be a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) The author of the species, A. Earl Pritchard, was from Stillwater, Oklahoma, and he would have been just 20 years old when he described this species (Essig Museum, Pritchard Acari Collection ).
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Small creeks and streams with moderate current and sand or mud bottoms.
Geographic Range
sc US (TX-LA-AR-OK) - Map (OC)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Named, of course, for the state of Oklahoma , and presumably described from there.
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Phanogomphus oklahomensis. 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 Oklahoma Clubtail (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Oklahoma Clubtail
What is Oklahoma Clubtail?
Oklahoma Clubtail (Phanogomphus oklahomensis) is a species in the family Gomphidae, within the order Odonata.
How big is Oklahoma Clubtail?
Total length: 44-49 mm; abdomen: 33-36 mm; hindwing: 24-30 mm - OC
Where is Oklahoma Clubtail found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Small creeks and streams with moderate current and sand or mud bottoms. |
| Range | sc US (TX-LA-AR-OK) - Map (OC) |