Delta-spotted Spiketail
Zoraena diastatops
This record describes Zoraena diastatops (species). Recorded family: Cordulegastridae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
Green eyes that almost touch. Dark thorax with two or three yellow lateral thoracic stripes. Abdomen dark with yellow triangular spots.
Wikipedia reference for Zoraena diastatops: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoraena_diastatops.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Odonata (Dragonflies and Damselflies)
- Suborder
- Anisoptera
- Family
- Cordulegastridae (Spiketails)
- Genus
- Zoraena (North American Spiketails)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Northeastern U.S. and southeastern Canada. As far south as West Virginia and Maryland.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Flying insects
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Zoraena diastatops. 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 Delta-spotted Spiketail (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Stephen_WV; Additional contributions by Nick Block
Frequently Asked Questions About Delta-spotted Spiketail
What is Delta-spotted Spiketail?
Delta-spotted Spiketail (Zoraena diastatops) is a species in the family Cordulegastridae, within the order Odonata.
How big is Delta-spotted Spiketail?
Average size 60 mm.
How do you identify Delta-spotted Spiketail?
Green eyes that almost touch. Dark thorax with two or three yellow lateral thoracic stripes. Abdomen dark with yellow triangular spots.
Where is Delta-spotted Spiketail found?
Range: Northeastern U.S. and southeastern Canada. As far south as West Virginia and Maryland.
What does Delta-spotted Spiketail eat?
The diet of the Delta-spotted Spiketail includes Flying insects.