Cordulegastridae

Definition

A family of dragonflies in the suborder Anisoptera, commonly called spiketails, characterized by large dark bodies with yellow markings, narrowly separated eyes that meet at a single point, and a preference for clear woodland streams. Adults fly slowly over water but can accelerate rapidly when disturbed; they hunt high in forest canopy, capturing prey from vegetation.

Etymology

Example

The American spiketail (Cordulegaster obliqua) patrols shaded headwater streams in eastern North American deciduous forests, its yellow thoracic stripes visible against dark wings as it hovers 50 cm above the water surface.

Synonyms

• spiketails

Related Terms

• Anisoptera
• Odonata
• dragonfly
• Cordulegaster
• lotic habitat
• Compound eyes

Usage Notes

The common name "spiketails" refers to the prominent, spike-like ovipositor of females, visible when they tap water to deposit eggs. Distinguish from other anisopteran families by the narrowly contiguous eyes (touching at one point versus broadly meeting or separated) and the combination of large body size with slow, deliberate flight over small streams. The family is relatively species-poor but widespread in Holarctic and Oriental regions.