Dusky Clubtail
Phanogomphus spicatus
This record describes Phanogomphus spicatus (species). Recorded family: Gomphidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
A medium-sized clubtail with dull colouration. Mostly brown with dull yellow makings, except that when recently emerged the yellows are a lot brighter. Dorsally, abdomen has an almost contiguous yellow stripe on S1-S7, each component being dagger-shaped (wide anteriorly and narrowing to a point posteriorly). On S8 there is an anterior yellow triangle. S9 usually dark, S10 yellow dorsally. No club. Eyes blue/gray. Laterally, thorax has 2 broad yellow stripes that expand posteriorly (dorsally). Dull yellow markings on abdomen except that S9 has large yellow patch. One of the earlist Gomphus spp to emerge. Similar to the other species in the Subgenus and possibly impossible to separate from Ashy Clubtail in the field where the 2 species are sympatric. Both are eastern but Dusky is absent from the south and ranges further north. Ashy not yet found in NB so ID of Dusky here is not so difficult. Positive identification can be made by examining terminalia of males and subgenital plate of females. The Images page has dorsal and lateral views of both sexes and photos of male terminalia and female subgenital plate
Wikipedia reference for Phanogomphus spicatus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phanogomphus_spicatus.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
A species of lentic habitats that helps in separating it from the similar Harpoon Clubtail that prefers clear, rapid streams with silt-bottomed pools.
Geographic Range
Eastern NA, NB to NC and east to western Ontario
Seasonal Activity
mid April to late July
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Phanogomphus spicatus. 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 Dusky Clubtail (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Robin McLeod , Tony-2 , Nick Block
Frequently Asked Questions About Dusky Clubtail
What is Dusky Clubtail?
Dusky Clubtail (Phanogomphus spicatus) is a species in the family Gomphidae, within the order Odonata.
How do you identify Dusky Clubtail?
A medium-sized clubtail with dull colouration. Mostly brown with dull yellow makings, except that when recently emerged the yellows are a lot brighter. Dorsally, abdomen has an almost contiguous yellow stripe on S1-S7, each component being dagger-shaped (wide anteriorly and narrowing to a point posteriorly). On S8 there is an anterior yellow triangle. S9 usually dark, S10 yellow dorsally. No club. Eyes blue/gray. Laterally, thorax has 2 broad yellow stripes that expand posteriorly (dorsally). Dull yellow markings on abdomen except that S9 has large yellow patch. One of the earlist Gomphus spp to emerge. Similar to the other species in the Subgenus and possibly impossible to separate from Ashy Clubtail in the field where the 2 species are sympatric. Both are eastern but Dusky is absent from the south and ranges further north. Ashy not yet found in NB so ID of Dusky here is not so difficult. Positive identification can be made by examining terminalia of males and subgenital plate of females. The Images page has dorsal and lateral views of both sexes and photos of male terminalia and female subgenital plate
Where is Dusky Clubtail found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | A species of lentic habitats that helps in separating it from the similar Harpoon Clubtail that prefers clear, rapid streams with silt-bottomed pools. |
| Range | Eastern NA, NB to NC and east to western Ontario |
When is Dusky Clubtail active?
Dusky Clubtail: seasonal activity - mid April to late July.