Burrowing-nymph
Guides
Gomphurus externus
Plains Clubtail
Gomphurus externus, commonly known as the plains clubtail, is a medium to large dragonfly in the clubtail family Gomphidae. Adults range 52–60 mm in length and are distinguished by yellow facial markings, striped thorax, and a clubbed abdomen tip. The species inhabits rivers and large streams across central North America, with peak flight activity in mid-summer. Nymphs are burrowers in muddy substrates and exhibit unusual daytime emergence behavior.
Ophiogomphus howei
Pygmy Snaketail
Ophiogomphus howei, commonly known as the pygmy snaketail, is the smallest species in its genus in North America. This rare gomphid dragonfly is endemic 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 habitats than previously thought.
Tanypteryx hageni
Black Petaltail
Tanypteryx hageni, the black petaltail, is a rare dragonfly species in the family Petaluridae and one of only two members of the genus Tanypteryx. It represents a phylogenetically ancient lineage that diverged from its Japanese sister species T. pryeri approximately 70-73 million years ago, making it a 'living fossil' among dragonflies. The species is a habitat specialist restricted to montane fen environments in the Pacific Northwest of North America, where nymphs construct and inhabit water-filled burrows—a unique life history strategy shared with other petaltail species but uncommon among dragonflies generally.