Arrowhead Spiketail
Zoraena obliqua
This record describes Zoraena obliqua (species). Recorded family: Cordulegastridae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
A series of arrow shaped yellow marks dorsally, on a dark brown/black abdomen. Northern race has green eyes, and southern race has blue eyes. Can be found hunting in fields, or males can be found patrolling over streams.
Wikipedia reference for Zoraena obliqua: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoraena_obliqua.
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
Habitat
Streams and seeps, often with muddy bottoms.
Geographic Range
Southern 1/3 of the US, from Maine to northern Florida.
Seasonal Activity
April to August
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Other insects
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Zoraena obliqua. 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 Arrowhead Spiketail (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray
Frequently Asked Questions About Arrowhead Spiketail
What is Arrowhead Spiketail?
Arrowhead Spiketail (Zoraena obliqua) is a species in the family Cordulegastridae, within the order Odonata.
How big is Arrowhead Spiketail?
2.7" - 3.5" (7-9cm)
How do you identify Arrowhead Spiketail?
A series of arrow shaped yellow marks dorsally, on a dark brown/black abdomen. Northern race has green eyes, and southern race has blue eyes.
Where is Arrowhead Spiketail found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Streams and seeps, often with muddy bottoms. |
| Range | Southern 1/3 of the US, from Maine to northern Florida. |
What does Arrowhead Spiketail eat?
The diet of the Arrowhead Spiketail includes Other insects.
When is Arrowhead Spiketail active?
Arrowhead Spiketail: seasonal activity - April to August.