Ophiogomphus howei

Bromley, 1924

Pygmy Snaketail

Ophiogomphus howei, commonly known as the pygmy snaketail, is the smallest in its in North America. This rare gomphid is to the United States and exhibits a highly disjunct distribution pattern across two main regions: the Great Lakes area and the Appalachian Mountains. Recent discoveries in southern Michigan suggest the species may be more adaptable to disturbed than previously thought.

Ophiogomphus howei by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ophiogomphus howei: /ˌoʊfiəˈɡɒmfəs ˈhaʊi/

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

Identification

The pygmy snaketail is distinguished from other Ophiogomphus by its notably smaller body size, with length approximately 35 mm and hindwing length approximately 22 mm. This makes it the smallest member of the in North America. Specific pattern details for separating it from similar snaketail species are not documented in available sources.

Images

Appearance

The pygmy snaketail is the smallest Ophiogomphus in North America. have an length of approximately 35 mm and hindwing length of approximately 22 mm. Like other gomphids, the nymphs have a burrowing body form adapted for life in river substrates.

Habitat

Larvae inhabit medium to large fast-flowing rivers and streams, typically 10-200 m wide, with sand and gravel substrates. Nymphs burrow into the substrate, a trait common to Gomphidae. Surrounding areas are typically undisturbed forested landscapes with minimal agriculture. However, a recently discovered in southern Michigan occurs along the Grand River, which experiences sedimentation, excess nutrients, and inputs from agricultural and urban sources, suggesting broader than previously recognized.

Distribution

to the United States with a highly disjunct distribution across two main regions. The western occurs in the northern half of Wisconsin, with records extending into Minnesota and Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The eastern population spans from New Brunswick, Canada to South Carolina, west to Kentucky. New state records have been documented for Kentucky, Maine, and Minnesota. A newly discovered population in southern Michigan, approximately 400 km from the nearest known population, represents a significant range extension. Within these regions, populations are localized and discontinuous, restricted to specific stretches of river systems.

Seasonality

have been observed with a season in late spring. Nymphs emerge over a 4 to 6 day period.

Life Cycle

The pygmy snaketail breeds in streams and rivers. Nymphs are aquatic and inhabit flowing water, burrowing into sand and gravel substrates. occurs on mud banks or low vegetation near the water's edge in areas of slower current. Nymphs emerge over a 4 to 6 day period. have been documented as evidence of successful emergence.

Behavior

Nymphs exhibit burrowing in river substrates. have been observed feeding on mosquitoes during spring activity periods.

Human Relevance

Listed as threatened in Michigan. The is of conservation concern due to its limited range and specific requirements. Citizen scientists and Odonata enthusiasts have contributed significantly to knowledge of this species, including the discovery of new . The Michigan Odonata Survey has documented new populations through collaborative efforts involving photographers and naturalists.

Similar Taxa

Other Ophiogomphus speciesLarger body size; O. howei is distinguished as the smallest member of the in North America with length ~35 mm versus larger dimensions in
Ophiogomphus severus (Pale Snaketail)Larger size and different geographic distribution; occurs in western North America including Colorado
Ophiogomphus arizonicus (Arizona Snaketail)Larger size, solid green , and southwestern distribution

Misconceptions

Previously assumed to be restricted to pristine, undisturbed forested river systems with minimal agriculture. The discovery of a robust along the Grand River in southern Michigan—a river system affected by urban and agricultural pollution, sedimentation, and nutrient inputs—challenges this assumption and suggests the may be more widely distributed or more tolerant of disturbance than previously believed.

More Details

Conservation Status

Considered rare and of conservation concern throughout its range. Listed as threatened in Michigan. The ' limited and disjunct distribution pattern makes individual vulnerable to local extirpation.

Citizen Science Contributions

Major discoveries of new have been made by non-professional entomologists. The Michigan population was discovered by a nature photographer and documented through surveys by volunteers with the Michigan Odonata Survey, demonstrating the value of citizen science in documenting rare Odonata.

Taxonomic History

First described by Bromley in 1924. The has remained poorly known due to its rarity and elusive nature, with new state records continuing to expand documented range as recently as 2020.