Twin-Spotted Spiketail

Cordulegaster maculata

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cordulegaster maculata: /ˌkɔrdjʊlɪˈɡæstər ˌmækjʊˈleɪtə/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Cordulegaster maculata by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Cordulegaster maculata by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Cordulegaster maculata by US Army Corps of Engineers. Used under a Public domain license.
DruryV1P048AA by Drury, Dru (1725-1803) & Westwood, J. O. (1805-1893). Used under a Public domain license.
Illustrations of Exotic Entomology I 48 by Plates: Dru Drury (1725–1803). Text: John Obadiah Westwood (1805–1893). Used under a Public domain license.
Twin-Spotted Spiketail - Cordulegaster maculata by Christina Butler. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Summary

Cordulegaster maculata, also known as the twin-spotted spiketail, is a dragonfly of the family Cordulegastridae. Its body length varies in size from 2.5 to 3.0 inches. It was described by Edmond de Sélys Longchamps in 1854.

Physical Characteristics

7 cm; Recognized by pairs of short yellow dorsal spots on abdomen.

Identification Tips

Upper face yellow in males, brown in females. Northern Form - North of VA has a black body marked with bright yellow and sea-green eyes. Southern Form - has a brown body marked with pale yellow and aqua-blue eyes.

Habitat

Clear forest streams and small rivers, including trout streams.

Life Cycle

Late Feb to late April in South, mid-May to early Aug. in North.

Tags

  • Dragonfly
  • Cordulegaster maculata
  • Twin-Spotted Spiketail