Progomphus obscurus

(Rambur, 1842)

Common Sanddragon

Progomphus obscurus, commonly known as the Common Sanddragon, is a of in the Gomphidae. It is one of the most abundant dragonfly species in parts of its range, particularly in South Carolina. The species is notable for its burrowing larval in sandy stream sediments. are found in eastern North America, ranging from southern Ontario through the eastern United States.

Progomphus obscurus by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Progomphus obscurus: /proʊˈɡɒmfəs əbˈskjʊərəs/

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Habitat

Larvae inhabit sandy-bottom streams, showing strongest association with fine sand sediments. Larval abundance correlates with mean silica concentrations and proportion of sandy-bottom sites at the stream . Within streams, larvae occur in fine sand, coarse sand, and pebble sediments, but are most frequently found in fine sand. Larval abundance is inversely correlated with mean particle size.

Distribution

Eastern United States and southern Ontario, Canada. Documented from the Enoree River and nine tributaries in South Carolina, and observed in downtown Leavenworth, Kansas.

Behavior

Larvae exhibit burrowing in sandy sediments. have been observed perching in urban environments, including downtown areas.

More Details

Larval Microhabitat

Research in South Carolina streams found that larval abundance at smaller spatial is inversely correlated with mean particle size, with highest presence in fine sand substrates. Mean larval size shows weak positive correlation with mean particle size and inverse correlation with larval abundance.