Cordulegaster maculata

Selys, 1854

twin-spotted spiketail

Cordulegaster maculata, commonly known as the twin-spotted spiketail, is a in the Cordulegastridae. It was described by Edmond de Sélys Longchamps in 1854. The is native to North America and is characterized by its relatively large body size and distinctive markings.

Cordulegaster maculata by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Cordulegaster maculata by US Army Corps of Engineers. Used under a Public domain license.

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.

Identification

The twin-spotted spiketail can be distinguished from other by its large size, robust build, and the characteristic thoracic markings typical of the . The specific epithet 'maculata' (spotted) refers to markings that help separate it from . Identification to level requires examination of detailed pattern elements on the and .

Images

Appearance

Body length ranges from 2.5 to 3.0 inches (approximately 63-76 mm). As a spiketail, the female possesses a prominent ovipositor. Members of the Cordulegaster typically display bold thoracic striping patterns.

Distribution

North America. Records indicate presence in the United States, including Vermont.

Similar Taxa

Cordulegaster diadema (Apache spiketail)Both are large North American spiketails in the same , sharing the characteristic prominent female ovipositor and robust body form. C. diadema ranges from the southwestern United States to Mexico and Rica, overlapping in some regions with C. maculata. They differ in distribution and specific thoracic pattern details.

More Details

Taxonomic Note

Catalogue of Life lists Cordulegaster maculata as a synonym of Zoraena maculata, though GBIF and NCBI maintain it as an accepted in Cordulegaster. The Cordulegaster is the more widely recognized classification in current odonatological literature.