Gleaning-predator
Guides
Cordulegastridae
Spiketails, biddie, flying adder
Cordulegastridae, commonly known as spiketails, is a family of dragonflies (Anisoptera) distributed across the Holarctic region. The family contains approximately 51 species in three to four genera, including Cordulegaster, Anotogaster, Neallogaster, and the recently restored Thecagaster and Zoraena. Adults are characterized by large black or brown bodies with yellow markings, blue-green eyes that meet at a single point, and a slow flight pattern 30–70 cm above water. Nymphs are specialized ambush predators that conceal themselves in sand or silt substrates of clean, flowing streams.