Arrow Clubtail
Stylurus spiniceps
This record describes Stylurus spiniceps (species). Recorded family: Gomphidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
In the genus Stylurus (the Hanging Clubtails) this is the only North American species with adbominal segment 9 noticeably longer than abdominal segement 8. The last two segments (s9 and s10) are dark on the dorsal surface.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Small to medium-sized rivers with mud or sand bottoms.
Geographic Range
Northeast United States (just barely edging into Canada); as far South as Kentucky and Tennessee.
Seasonal Activity
Mid-June through much of October.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Small flying insects.
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Stylurus spiniceps. 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 Arrow Clubtail (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Stephen_WV
Frequently Asked Questions About Arrow Clubtail
What is Arrow Clubtail?
Arrow Clubtail (Stylurus spiniceps) is a species in the family Gomphidae, within the order Odonata.
How big is Arrow Clubtail?
54-65 mm.
How do you identify Arrow Clubtail?
In the genus Stylurus (the Hanging Clubtails) this is the only North American species with adbominal segment 9 noticeably longer than abdominal segement 8. The last two segments (s9 and s10) are dark on the dorsal surface.
Where is Arrow Clubtail found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Small to medium-sized rivers with mud or sand bottoms. |
| Range | Northeast United States (just barely edging into Canada); as far South as Kentucky and Tennessee. |
What does Arrow Clubtail eat?
The diet of the Arrow Clubtail includes Small flying insects..
When is Arrow Clubtail active?
Arrow Clubtail: seasonal activity - Mid-June through much of October..