Laura's Clubtail
Stylurus laurae
This record describes Stylurus laurae (species). Recorded family: Gomphidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
Green eyes, dark brown face. Males have green thoracic markings and brown legs, females yellow thoracic markings and thighs. The wide diffuse lateral brown strip on the thorax distinguish this species from Riverine and Towne's clubtails, which are also smaller. Like other clubtails, the tip of the abdomen is wide. Stripes on the club are red-brown in color. Dunkle lists the pale sides of the second abdominal segment (before the abdomen narrows), and the red-brown dorasal surface of the tip of the abdomen, as distinguishing features. Dragonflies, Butterflies and Moths (odolep.com - link below) notes fused yellow spots on segments 8 & 9. Riverine and Townees' clubtails have these yellow spots separated by a black stripe 17 April 2020 - odolep link removed, leads to some Japanese site. Unsure if the character they mentioned is valid.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Adults found along clear streams with sand-mud bottoms.
Geographic Range
Eastern U.S., uncommon.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: "Named for Laura Ditzler, member of the expedition that first found the species"
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Stylurus laurae. 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 Laura's Clubtail (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Hannah Nendick-Mason; Additional contributions by cotinis , Tyler Hedlund
Frequently Asked Questions About Laura's Clubtail
What is Laura's Clubtail?
Laura's Clubtail (Stylurus laurae) is a species in the family Gomphidae, within the order Odonata.
How do you identify Laura's Clubtail?
Green eyes, dark brown face. Males have green thoracic markings and brown legs, females yellow thoracic markings and thighs. The wide diffuse lateral brown strip on the thorax distinguish this species from Riverine and Towne's clubtails, which are also smaller. Like other clubtails, the tip of the abdomen is wide. Stripes on the club are red-brown in color. Dunkle lists the pale sides of the second abdominal segment (before the abdomen narrows), and the red-brown dorasal surface of the tip of the abdomen, as distinguishing features. Dragonflies, Butterflies and Moths (odolep.com - link below) notes fused yellow spots on segments 8 & 9. Riverine and Townees' clubtails have these yellow spots separated by a black stripe 17 April 2020 - odolep link removed, leads to some Japanese site. Unsure if the character they mentioned is valid.
Where is Laura's Clubtail found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Adults found along clear streams with sand-mud bottoms. |
| Range | Eastern U.S., uncommon. |