Gomphidae
Guides
Aphylla
Greater Forceptails
Aphylla is a widespread Neotropical genus of dragonflies in the family Gomphidae. They are commonly known as the greater forceptails due to their distinctive forceps-like cerci (paired appendages at the abdomen tip). The genus occurs across Central and South America and contains multiple species.
Aphylla angustifolia
Broad-striped Forceptail
Aphylla angustifolia, commonly known as the broad-striped forceptail, is a species of clubtail dragonfly in the family Gomphidae. It was described by Garrison in 1986. The species is found in Central America and North America and holds a conservation status of Least Concern (LC) according to the IUCN.
Aphylla williamsoni
Two-striped Forceptail
Aphylla williamsoni, commonly known as the two-striped forceptail, is a species of clubtail dragonfly in the family Gomphidae. It is native to North America and is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable population and no immediate threats to its survival. The species was originally described by Gloyd in 1936 under the basionym Gomphoides williamsoni before being transferred to the genus Aphylla.
Arigomphus
Pond Clubtails
Arigomphus is a genus of dragonflies in the family Gomphidae, commonly known as the pond clubtails. The genus contains seven recognized species, all endemic to North America. Males possess the club-shaped abdominal tip characteristic of gomphids, while females lack this feature. The genus is notable for its ability to complete development in artificial ponds, a trait uncommon among other gomphid genera.
Arigomphus cornutus
Horned Clubtail
Arigomphus cornutus, commonly known as the Horned Clubtail, is a dragonfly species in the family Gomphidae. It is distributed across Canada and the United States. The species belongs to a genus of clubtail dragonflies characterized by expanded terminal abdominal segments.
Arigomphus furcifer
Lilypad Clubtail
Arigomphus furcifer, commonly known as the lilypad clubtail, is a dragonfly species in the family Gomphidae. It is found in North America and holds a conservation status of Least Concern (LC) according to the IUCN, with a stable population and no immediate threats to its survival. The species is part of the genus Arigomphus, which comprises clubtail dragonflies often associated with aquatic habitats.
Arigomphus pallidus
gray-green clubtail
Arigomphus pallidus, commonly known as the gray-green clubtail, is a dragonfly species in the family Gomphidae. It is found in North America. The species has been assessed by the IUCN as Least Concern (LC), with a stable population and no immediate threats to its survival. The genus Arigomphus is part of the clubtail dragonflies, characterized by their distinctive abdominal club-like expansions.
Arigomphus submedianus
Jade Clubtail
Arigomphus submedianus, the Jade Clubtail, is a medium-sized dragonfly in the family Gomphidae. Adults measure 51–55 mm in total length. The species is found in North America and is recognized by its greenish coloration and clubbed abdomen tip.
Dromogomphus
Spinylegs, Spiny-legged Clubtails
Dromogomphus is a genus of dragonflies in the family Gomphidae, commonly known as spinylegs. The common name refers to the prominent spines on their legs, which function in prey capture. The genus includes three North American species: southeastern spinyleg, black-shouldered spinyleg, and flag-tailed spinyleg. These dragonflies are medium to large-sized clubtails with distinctive morphological features.
Dromogomphus armatus
Southeastern Spinyleg
Dromogomphus armatus, commonly known as the southeastern spinyleg, is a species of clubtail dragonfly in the family Gomphidae. It is found in North America. The species has been assessed by the IUCN as Least Concern with a stable population and no immediate threats to its survival.
Erpetogomphus
ringtails
Erpetogomphus is a genus of dragonflies in the family Gomphidae, commonly known as ringtails. The genus comprises approximately 25 extant species distributed primarily in the Americas, plus one fossil species from Early Miocene Mexican amber. Most species exhibit predominantly green coloration, and males possess a moderately clubbed abdomen tip. The genus was taxonomically revised by Rosser Garrison in 1994.
Erpetogomphus compositus
white-belted ringtail
Erpetogomphus compositus, commonly known as the white-belted ringtail, is a clubtail dragonfly in the family Gomphidae. It inhabits streams and rivers in Central America and North America. The species is distinguished by its heavily striped thorax with a prominent white central stripe on the side, which gives it the common name. It is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN with a stable population.
Erpetogomphus designatus
Eastern Ringtail
Erpetogomphus designatus, commonly known as the eastern ringtail, is a species of clubtail dragonfly in the family Gomphidae. It is found in Central America and North America. The species was described by Hagen in 1858. The IUCN lists it as Least Concern with a stable population, last reviewed in 2017.
Erpetogomphus eutainia
blue-faced ringtail
Erpetogomphus eutainia, commonly known as the blue-faced ringtail, is a species of clubtail dragonfly in the family Gomphidae. It is found in Central America and North America. The species is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating no immediate threat to its survival. As a member of the genus Erpetogomphus, it shares the characteristic ringtail morphology with related species.
Gomphurus
clubtails
Gomphurus is a genus of dragonflies in the family Gomphidae, commonly known as clubtails. The genus was elevated from subgenus rank within Gomphus in recent taxonomic revisions, reflecting distinct morphological and genetic characteristics. It contains approximately 13 described species, primarily distributed in North America. Species within this genus are associated with lotic freshwater habitats and exhibit restricted geographic ranges.
Gomphurus crassus
Handsome Clubtail
Gomphurus crassus, commonly known as the Handsome Clubtail, is a species of dragonfly in the family Gomphidae. It is a member of the genus Gomphurus, which was historically treated as a subgenus of Gomphus but has been elevated to full generic status based on molecular and morphological evidence. The species is characterized by its robust body form and distinctive clubbed abdomen typical of the family. As an odonate predator, it occupies freshwater habitats where it hunts smaller insects.
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.
Gomphurus gonzalezi
Tamaulipan Clubtail
Gomphurus gonzalezi, commonly known as the Tamaulipan clubtail, is a dragonfly species in the family Gomphidae. It is restricted to a narrow geographic range along the lower Rio Grande, occurring in Texas, USA and San Luis Potosí, Mexico. The species was originally described by Dunkle in 1992. The genus Gomphurus was elevated from subgenus to genus rank in 2017, reclassifying this species from Gomphus.
Gomphurus hybridus
Cocoa Clubtail
A medium-sized clubtail dragonfly endemic to eastern North America. Adults are active in late spring through mid-summer, with peak emergence typically in June. The species is named for the cocoa-brown coloration of mature males. Larvae develop in streams and rivers, requiring clean, flowing water with sandy or gravelly substrates. Like other gomphids, it is a predator both as aquatic nymph and aerial adult.
Gomphurus modestus
Gulf Coast Clubtail
Gomphurus modestus, commonly known as the Gulf Coast Clubtail, is a dragonfly species in the family Gomphidae. It was transferred from the genus Gomphus to Gomphurus in 2017 when the latter was elevated from subgenus to full genus status. The species is endemic to the southeastern United States, where it inhabits medium to large slow-flowing rivers. The IUCN lists it as Least Concern with a stable population.
Gomphurus septima
Septima's Clubtail
Septima's Clubtail is a species of dragonfly in the family Gomphidae, distinguished by its club-shaped abdomen tip. The species was transferred from genus Gomphus to Gomphurus in 2017 when Gomphurus was elevated from subgenus to full genus rank. It is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN with a stable population.
Gomphurus ventricosus
Skillet Clubtail
Gomphurus ventricosus, commonly known as the Skillet Clubtail, is a species of dragonfly in the family Gomphidae. It belongs to the order Odonata and is classified within the suborder Anisoptera, which encompasses the dragonflies. The species was first described by Walsh in 1863 and is currently accepted as a valid species in taxonomic databases.
Hagenius
dragonhunter
Hagenius is a monotypic genus of clubtail dragonflies (family Gomphidae) containing the single species Hagenius brevistylus, commonly known as the dragonhunter. This large, aggressive dragonfly inhabits riverine systems of eastern North America and is notable for its exceptional predatory behavior, including the habit of capturing and consuming other dragonflies and damselflies. The genus name honors Hermann August Hagen, a prominent 19th-century entomologist specializing in Odonata.
Hagenius brevistylus
Dragonhunter, Black Dragon
Hagenius brevistylus, commonly known as the dragonhunter, is a large, distinctive clubtail dragonfly (family Gomphidae) native to eastern North America. Adults are notable aerial predators with a documented propensity for hunting other Odonata, including other dragonflies and damselflies. The species has been observed using postural adjustments for behavioral thermoregulation. Larvae develop in aquatic habitats and possess specialized adaptations for predation.
Hylogomphus
clubtails
Hylogomphus is a genus of clubtail dragonflies (family Gomphidae) comprising six described species native to eastern North America. The genus was elevated from subgenus status within Gomphus in 2000, reflecting distinct morphological and phylogenetic characteristics. Species within this genus are associated with lotic freshwater habitats and exhibit conservative body plans typical of gomphid dragonflies.
Hylogomphus apomyius
Banner Clubtail
Hylogomphus apomyius, commonly known as the Banner Clubtail, is a dragonfly species in the family Gomphidae. It is one of several small clubtail species within the genus Hylogomphus, characterized by relatively modest abdominal clubbing compared to larger gomphids. The species was described by Donnelly in 1966 and occurs in eastern North America. It is associated with riverine habitats and is considered uncommon throughout its range.
Hylogomphus parvidens
Piedmont Clubtail
Hylogomphus parvidens, the Piedmont Clubtail, is a species of clubtail dragonfly endemic to the southeastern United States. It was transferred from the genus Gomphus to Hylogomphus in 2017 when Hylogomphus was elevated from subgenus to full genus rank. The species inhabits river systems and holds a stable population with no immediate conservation concerns.
Hylogomphus viridifrons
Green-faced Clubtail
Hylogomphus viridifrons, commonly known as the Green-faced Clubtail, is a dragonfly species in the family Gomphidae. It is a medium-sized clubtail characterized by distinctive green facial coloration. The species is found in eastern North America, where it inhabits clean, flowing streams and rivers.
Lanthus parvulus
Northern Pygmy Clubtail
Lanthus parvulus, commonly known as the northern pygmy clubtail, is a small dragonfly species in the family Gomphidae. It is found in North America and is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN with a stable population. The species was first described by Edmond de Sélys Longchamps in 1854. As a member of the clubtail group, it belongs to a lineage characterized by expanded terminal abdominal segments.
Lanthus vernalis
southern pygmy clubtail
Lanthus vernalis, commonly known as the southern pygmy clubtail, is a small dragonfly species in the family Gomphidae. It is one of the smallest members of the clubtail group and inhabits small, clear, running trout streams in eastern North America. The species has an exceptionally long larval development period, with nymphs living up to five years before emergence. Its conservation status is Least Concern, with stable populations and no immediate threats identified.
Ophiogomphus
snaketails
Ophiogomphus is a genus of dragonflies in the family Gomphidae, commonly known as snaketails. The genus contains approximately 25 described species distributed across North America, Europe, and Asia. Most species exhibit green markings on club-shaped abdomens, with males typically displaying more prominent coloration. The genus includes both widespread species and localized endemics with restricted ranges.
Ophiogomphus anomalus
Extra-striped Snaketail
Ophiogomphus anomalus, commonly known as the extra-striped snaketail, is a dragonfly species in the family Gomphidae. It inhabits intermittent rivers across Canada and the United States. The species is one of several North American snaketails characterized by their distinctive thoracic patterning and riverine habitat preferences.
Ophiogomphus arizonicus
Arizona Snaketail
Ophiogomphus arizonicus, the Arizona snaketail, is a dragonfly species in the clubtail family Gomphidae. It is found in North America, particularly in the southwestern United States. The species is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable population and no immediate threats to its survival.
Ophiogomphus aspersus
Brook Snaketail
Ophiogomphus aspersus, known as the brook snaketail, is a species of clubtail dragonfly in the family Gomphidae. The species is found in North America, with records from Vermont and other regions. It is listed by the IUCN as Least Concern with a stable population and no immediate threats to survival. Specific ecological details beyond basic distribution and conservation status remain poorly documented in available sources.
Ophiogomphus australis
southern snaketail
Ophiogomphus australis, the southern snaketail, is a dragonfly species in the family Gomphidae. It was described by Carle in 1992. The species is native to North America and holds a Near Threatened conservation status according to the IUCN, with a decreasing population trend.
Ophiogomphus edmundo
Edmund's Snaketail
Ophiogomphus edmundo, commonly known as Edmund's Snaketail, is a dragonfly species in the family Gomphidae. It is endemic to the United States. The species inhabits river systems and is currently threatened by habitat loss. Specific details regarding its distribution within the United States, population status, and ecological requirements remain limited in available sources.
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.
Ophiogomphus incurvatus
Appalachian snaketail
Ophiogomphus incurvatus, commonly known as the Appalachian snaketail, is a dragonfly species in the family Gomphidae. It is endemic to the United States. The species inhabits intermittent rivers and is one of several snaketail dragonflies in the genus Ophiogomphus.
Ophiogomphus morrisoni
Great Basin Snaketail
Ophiogomphus morrisoni, commonly known as the Great Basin Snaketail, is a species of clubtail dragonfly in the family Gomphidae. The species was first described by Selys in 1879. It is endemic to western North America and has been recorded from Oregon, California, and Utah. The IUCN lists the species as Least Concern with a stable population.
Ophiogomphus occidentis
Sinuous Snaketail
Ophiogomphus occidentis, commonly known as the sinuous snaketail, is a species of clubtail dragonfly in the family Gomphidae. It is found in North America. The species is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable population and no immediate threats to its survival.
Ophiogomphus susbehcha
St. Croix Snaketail
Ophiogomphus susbehcha, known as the St. Croix snaketail, is a species of clubtail dragonfly in the family Gomphidae. It was described in 1993 and is found in North America. The species has an IUCN conservation status of Least Concern with a stable population.
Phanogomphus australis
Clearlake Clubtail
Phanogomphus australis, commonly known as the Clearlake Clubtail, is a species of dragonfly in the family Gomphidae. It is a North American endemic with a restricted distribution centered on Florida. The species inhabits lake margins and associated wetland habitats. Like other clubtails, it is characterized by the expanded, club-like tip of the male abdomen.
Phanogomphus borealis
Beaverpond Clubtail
Phanogomphus borealis, the beaverpond clubtail, is a species of clubtail dragonfly in the family Gomphidae. The genus Phanogomphus was formerly treated as a subgenus of Gomphus but was elevated to genus rank based on phylogenetic studies. This species is associated with beaver pond habitats in the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada.
Phanogomphus descriptus
Harpoon Clubtail
Phanogomphus descriptus, commonly known as the harpoon clubtail, is a species of clubtail dragonfly in the family Gomphidae. It was originally described by Banks in 1896 and was long classified under the genus Gomphus. Phylogenetic studies led to the elevation of Phanogomphus from subgenus to full genus rank. The species occurs in eastern North America.
Phanogomphus militaris
Sulphur-tipped Clubtail
Phanogomphus militaris, known as the sulphur-tipped clubtail, is a species of clubtail dragonfly in the family Gomphidae. It was transferred from the genus Gomphus to Phanogomphus in 2017 when that taxon was elevated from subgenus to full genus rank. The species is found in central North America and holds a stable population with no immediate conservation concerns.
Phanogomphus minutus
cypress clubtail
Phanogomphus minutus, commonly known as the cypress clubtail, is a species of clubtail dragonfly in the family Gomphidae. The genus Phanogomphus was elevated from subgenus status within Gomphus based on phylogenetic studies. The species is found in North America and has been documented in citizen science observations.
Phanogomphus westfalli
Westfall's Clubtail
Phanogomphus westfalli, commonly known as Westfall's Clubtail, is a dragonfly species in the family Gomphidae. It was described in 1987 and is native to the southeastern United States. The species is named in honor of the odonatologist Minter J. Westfall. Like other clubtails, it is associated with flowing water habitats.
Phyllocycla breviphylla
Ringed Forceptail
Phyllocycla breviphylla, commonly known as the Ringed Forceptail, is a species of dragonfly in the family Gomphidae. It was described by Belle in 1975. The species is distributed across Central and South America. Its IUCN conservation status is Least Concern, indicating no immediate threats to its survival.
Phyllogomphoides
leaftails
Phyllogomphoides is a genus of dragonflies in the family Gomphidae, commonly known as leaftails. It is the second most diverse genus within neotropical Gomphidae, comprising 46 species. The genus was established by Belle in 1970. Mexican species are distinguished primarily by male accessory genitalia, cerci, and epiproct morphology, as color patterns are often similar across species.
Phyllogomphoides albrighti
Five-striped Leaftail
Phyllogomphoides albrighti, commonly known as the five-striped leaftail, is a species of clubtail dragonfly in the family Gomphidae. It occurs in Central America and North America. The species is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable population and no immediate threats to its survival.
Progomphus
sanddragons
Progomphus is a genus of medium-sized dragonflies in the family Gomphidae, commonly known as sanddragons. The genus is distinguished among Gomphidae by its colored wings, a relatively rare trait in this family. Species are found primarily in tropical regions of the Americas, with adults typically observed near freshwater sandy beaches and pools.
Progomphus bellei
Belle's Sanddragon
Progomphus bellei, commonly known as Belle's Sanddragon, is a species of clubtail dragonfly in the family Gomphidae. It is endemic to the United States. The species inhabits rivers and freshwater lakes.
Progomphus borealis
Gray Sanddragon
Progomphus borealis, commonly known as the Gray Sanddragon, is a dragonfly species in the family Gomphidae. It is distributed across Middle America and North America. The species is part of the skimmer dragonfly group and is one of approximately 20 species in the genus Progomphus.
Stenogomphurus consanguis
Cherokee Clubtail
Stenogomphurus consanguis, commonly known as the Cherokee clubtail, is a species of clubtail dragonfly endemic to the southeastern United States. It inhabits small rivers and streams. The species is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, though it has experienced significant shifts in conservation status over recent decades, previously being assessed as endangered in 2007. Approximately 30 known populations exist, most with fewer than 50 adults.
Stenogomphurus rogersi
Sable Clubtail
Stenogomphurus rogersi, commonly known as the Sable Clubtail, is a species of dragonfly in the family Gomphidae. It was originally described as Gomphus rogersi by Gloyd in 1936 and later transferred to the genus Stenogomphurus. The species belongs to the clubtail group, characterized by expanded terminal abdominal segments in males. It is a North American endemic with a documented but limited distribution.
Stylogomphus
Least Clubtails
Stylogomphus is a genus of small clubtail dragonflies in the family Gomphidae, commonly known as Least Clubtails. The genus comprises approximately 12 described species distributed primarily across Asia, with some species extending into North America. Members are distinguished by their relatively diminutive size compared to other gomphids and possess the characteristic clubbed abdomen tip that defines the family. The genus was established by Fraser in 1922.
Stylogomphus sigmastylus
Interior Least Clubtail
Stylogomphus sigmastylus, known as the interior least clubtail, is a species of clubtail dragonfly in the family Gomphidae. It was described by Cook and Laudermilk in 2004. The species is found in North America and is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN with a stable population.
Stylurus
Hanging Clubtails
Stylurus is a genus of dragonflies in the family Gomphidae, commonly known as hanging clubtails. The genus was established by Needham in 1897 and contains approximately 35 species distributed across North America and Asia. Members are distinguished by their characteristic perching behavior of hanging nearly vertically from vegetation. The genus has undergone taxonomic revision, with some species previously assigned to Stylurus now recognized as belonging to other genera such as Fukienogomphus. Nymphs of the Stylurus group were historically classified within the genus Gomphus before being recognized as a distinct lineage.
Stylurus amnicola
Riverine Clubtail
Stylurus amnicola, commonly known as the riverine clubtail, is a species of dragonfly in the family Gomphidae. It is found in North America. The species has been assessed by the IUCN as Least Concern (LC) with a stable population and no immediate threats to its survival.
Stylurus ivae
Shining Clubtail
Stylurus ivae, commonly known as the shining clubtail, is a species of dragonfly in the family Gomphidae. It is endemic to North America and belongs to a genus whose common name "clubtail" refers to the swollen, club-like tip of the abdomen found in males of many species. The species was described by Williamson in 1932. Like other members of the genus, adults are typically found near rivers and streams where larvae develop. The IUCN lists this species as Least Concern with a stable population.
Stylurus laurae
Laura's clubtail
Stylurus laurae, commonly known as Laura's clubtail, is a dragonfly species in the family Gomphidae. It is found in North America. The species was described by Williamson in 1932. Based on available records, it has been observed 238 times on iNaturalist. The IUCN conservation status is Least Concern (LC), indicating no immediate threat to its survival with a stable population.
Stylurus notatus
Elusive Clubtail
Stylurus notatus, commonly known as the elusive clubtail, is a dragonfly species in the family Gomphidae. It is distributed across North America and holds a conservation status of Least Concern (LC) according to the IUCN, with a stable population and no immediate threats to its survival. The species is part of the genus Stylurus, which comprises clubtail dragonflies characterized by their clubbed abdominal tips. As a member of the Odonata order, it undergoes aquatic larval development and aerial adult stages typical of dragonflies.
Stylurus plagiatus
Russet-tipped Clubtail
Stylurus plagiatus, commonly known as the russet-tipped clubtail, is a species of dragonfly in the family Gomphidae. It is distributed across Central America and North America. The species has been assessed by the IUCN as Least Concern (LC) with a stable population, most recently reviewed in 2017.
Stylurus scudderi
Zebra Clubtail
Stylurus scudderi, commonly known as the zebra clubtail, is a species of dragonfly in the family Gomphidae. It is found in North America and is distinguished by its distinctive black and white striped patterning on the abdomen. The species has been assessed by IUCN as Least Concern (LC) with a stable population, reviewed in 2017. The zebra clubtail is one of several unrelated species across different taxa that share similar black-and-white striped coloration, including zebra swallowtail butterflies, zebra longwing butterflies, zebra beetles, zebra longhorn beetles, and zebra moths.
Stylurus spiniceps
Arrow Clubtail
Stylurus spiniceps, commonly known as the arrow clubtail, is a species of clubtail dragonfly in the family Gomphidae. It is found in North America. The species has been assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable population and no immediate threats to its survival; this status was reviewed in 2017.
Stylurus townesi
Townes' Clubtail, Townes's Clubtail
Stylurus townesi is a species of clubtail dragonfly endemic to the United States. It is a member of the family Gomphidae, a group characterized by their distinctive clubbed abdomens. The species is associated with riverine habitats, where it completes its life cycle. Like other members of the genus Stylurus, it is presumed to have aquatic nymphal stages and aerial adult stages typical of dragonflies.