Clubtails

Gomphidae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Odonata
Suborder: Anisoptera
Family: Gomphidae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Gomphidae: /ɡɒmˈfaɪdiː/

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

Images

Gomphus ozarkensis by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Hagenius brevistylus by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Gomphus modestus by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Gomphus rogersi by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Gomphidia abbotti by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Gomphoides albrighti by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

The Gomphidae family, commonly known as clubtails or club-tailed dragonflies, comprises about 900 species across numerous genera. They are characterized by their distinctive abdominal forms and wide distribution across various continents, often found near water bodies where they both breed and hunt for prey.

Physical Characteristics

Medium to large dragonflies, typically 40mm to 70mm in body length. Small, widely separated compound eyes that are blue, turquoise, or green. Thorax is pale with dark stripes that often serve as diagnostic features. Most species exhibit cryptic coloration; differences between sexes are minimal. Some individuals present an inflated club shape at the tip of the abdomen, especially in males.

Identification Tips

Identification can be made through a combination of color patterns and the morphology of male tail appendages, male secondary genitalia, and female genitalia plates. Close-up photographs are valuable, especially from above and the side.

Habitat

Clubtails breed in streams, rivers, or lakes. They commonly inhabit areas near water bodies.

Distribution

Approximately 900 species found worldwide, with significant populations in North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Africa.

Diet

Clubtails primarily prey on flying insects.

Life Cycle

Nymphs have a flat mentum and burrow in sediments at the bottom of water bodies, differing from many dragonfly larvae that prefer vertical surfaces. Some larvae emerge during the day, contrasting with the common nighttime emergence.

Reproduction

Breeding typically occurs in water bodies such as streams, rivers, and lakes. The specifics of their reproductive behaviors vary among species.

Ecosystem Role

As predators of flying insects, clubtails play a role in controlling insect populations.

Evolution

Gomphidae is the only family in the superfamily Gomphoidea and has undergone significant diversification, leading to a wide range of species.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Some believe that the club shape at the abdomen's end is present in all species; however, it is variable and less pronounced in females and absent in some species.