Diurnal-emergence
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.