Hylogomphus viridifrons

The combination of green facial coloration and clubbed abdomen separates this species from most other eastern North American dragonflies. The green face is particularly distinctive and visible at close range. Similar clubtails in the genus Hylogomphus and related genera lack the bright green frons. Separation from other Hylogomphus species requires examination of abdominal pattern details and, in males, hamule structure.

Medium-sized dragonfly with a clubbed abdomen typical of the family Gomphidae. The species is distinguished by bright green coloration on the face and frons (front of the head), which gives rise to both its scientific and common names. The thorax is dark with pale stripes. The abdomen is black with yellow markings, becoming more clubbed toward the tip. Eyes are widely separated, typical of clubtails.

Clean, flowing streams and small rivers with moderate current. Associated with forested watersheds. Larvae develop in sandy or gravelly substrates in the streambed.

Eastern North America, primarily in the United States. Records from Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and surrounding states. The species appears to have a scattered distribution across the Midwest and northeastern United States.

Adults fly from late spring through mid-summer, typically May to July depending on latitude. Peak emergence varies by location.

Hemimetabolous development with aquatic larval stage. Eggs are laid in streams, where larvae develop for multiple years before emerging as adults. Specific details of development duration and number of instars are not well documented.

Adults perch on vegetation or rocks near stream margins. Males patrol stream territories, flying low over the water surface. Both sexes are often found away from water in forested areas when not actively breeding.

Larvae are predators in stream benthic communities, feeding on smaller invertebrates. Adults are aerial predators capturing small flying insects. The species serves as an indicator of good water quality due to its requirement for clean, flowing streams.

Subject of interest to odonate enthusiasts and researchers. The species is not of direct economic importance. Its presence indicates healthy stream ecosystems, making it relevant for conservation monitoring and watershed assessment.

• Hylogomphus geminatus (Twin-striped Clubtail)Overlaps in range and habitat; lacks green face, has paired pale thoracic stripes.
• Hylogomphus abbreviatus (Spine-crowned Clubtail)Similar size and build; facial coloration duller, not bright green.
• Gomphus speciesMany Gomphus clubtails overlap in habitat; separated by facial coloration and abdominal pattern details.

• Odonata
• Gomphidae
• dragonfly
• clubtail
• aquatic insect
• stream habitat
• North America
• indicator species

• BugGuide
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• Catalogue of Life
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