Non-Skimmer Dragonflies of the Greater Southwest - Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada and Utah

Darners, Clubtails, Petaltails, Spiketails & Cruisers of the Greater Southwest
- Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada and Utah


=!= Page 2 of the companion website for Dragonflies of the Greater Southwest =!=

dragonfly image map image dragonfly image

Enter the on-line guide below these dragonfly educational materials



2015
Dragonflies of the Greater Southwest

A Beginner's Guide
- AZ, CA, CO, NV, NM, UT -
dragonfly guide image
by Kathy Biggs
June 2015
UPDATES to maps and names - 2019

Dragonflies of North America,
A Color and Learn Book with Activities

by Kathy Biggs and Tim Manolis
Click to enlarge cover and to
dragonfly coloring book image
see more information about or buy the book.

4th printing June 2021
For children, grandchildren & your inner child!

Updated May 2019
Dragonflies of California and the Greater Southwest,
A Beginner's Guide

by Kathy Biggs
dragonfly guide image
by Kathy Biggs - Price $7.99
Buy through Amazon.com (Kindle app)
(includes damselflies)


Southwestern distribution maps are up dated semi-annually and were based on information originally collected by Dennis Paulson.
Another source of information are the maps at Odonata Central.

DIRECTIONS:

Click on the image of the type of dragonfly you want to identify/learn more about.

Dragonflies are arranged within family by predominant color rather than by genus.

Or just scroll down the page.
The Skimmers and Emeralds are on the first page: use your back button or click here to access that page.

dragonfly image dragonfly image dragonfly image



Dragonflies are arranged within this family by predominant color/patterning rather than by genus.

=!= =!=New 2015 =!= =!=
A Key to Identification of Male Southwestern Darners
- BETA VERSION. Please email Kathy Biggs if you can suggest changes!

DARNERS - Aeshnidae


sizes: large, robust; fast; lengths: 56 - 116 mm
males: brilliant blue and/or green with brown
females: 2 or more forms, one like males; others green and/or yellow instead of blue; brown and/or purple base
habitats: lakes, creeks, rivers; fields
behaviors: usually seen in flight; patrol waterways but also often seen catching insects over fields; perch by hanging vertically; oviposit into floating vegetation; some swarm; some migrate; when cool, blue coloration darkens

5 SW genera, including 18 species:
Mosaic Darners, Aeshna* - 10 SW species
*New research in 2003 split the genus Aeshna
Neo-tropical Darners, Rhionaeschna* - 4 SW species
*New research in 2003 split these from the genus Aeshna
Mosaic &/or Neo-tropical Darners, Aeshna/Rhionaeschna - large bluish eyes; mosaic pattern; quite similar; upper appendages differ
Green Darners Anax - 2 SW species: large green eyes, both very similar except for Giant Darner's much larger size; the Common Green Darner is known to be a mass migrant
Malachite Darner Remartinia- 1 SW species: lime-green and brown
Riffle Darners Oplonaeschna- 1 SW species: top of segment 10 has a fingerlike projection

Photos
Darner exuvia
The exoskeleton left behind
when a darner nymph metamorphoses
to become a flier.

How to Identify Female Darners
example: female Blue-eyed Darner Rhionaeschna multicolor -
non-male like color form...pg. 59
To identify female Darners, use color of the line across face, presence (Rhionaeschna) or lack (Aeshna) of a small bump under first segment, the presence or lack of paired blue spots on abdomen underside, the presence and/or shape of thoracic top and side stripes, and the ovipositor length. Use of an identification key is often necessary.

Photos
male - AZ
male - AZ
male in flight- AZ
male in flight- AZ
multiple images- AZ
multiple images- AZ
multiple images- AZ & CA
female - AZ
female ovipositing - AZ
multiple images- AZ & CA
male top view - CA
male top view - CA
male side view - CA
male - CA
male side view - CA
appendages - CA
multiple images - CA
multiple images - CA
multiple images - CA
female, non-male like form - CA
young female - CA
male - NM
multiple images - NM
male - NV
male - NV
pair in wheel- NV
female ovipositing - NV
male - UT
female - UT
Scans
male - CA
male - CA
male - CA
male - CA
male - CA
male - CA
green colored female - CA
exuvia - CA
green colored female - TX?
green colored female - TX?

Blue-eyed Darner Rhionaeschna multicolor

size: large, length 60 - 74 mm, wingspan 86 - 98 mm

male: bright blue eyes & face; line across face light brown, not black; broad blue stripes on thorax sides are uniform in width; two stripes on top of thorax also; abdomen appears almost all blue when in flight, but is mosaic blue, black and copper; appendages forked - wrench shaped when seen from side; spots top segment 10 pale and widely separated; bump under 1st segment; 3 cells in hindwing super-triangle

female: facial line pale brown; bump under first segment; pattern on S2 - thin median stripe with thin transverse stripe broken by a rectangular black spot. T-spot atop frons thin, narrow

similar species: compare to very similar Arroyo and California Darners by appendages, thoracic stripes, size and T-spots

habitat: ponds, lakes, slow streams

SW flight period: all year in the appropriate weather

SW distribution: all Southwest

Southwestern distribution map

Information on California Odonata website

Photos
male - AZ
male - AZ
male - AZ
male - AZ
female side view - AZ
multiple images - AZ
multiple SW images
male - NM
male - NM
pair - NM
female - NM
appendages
multiple images - TX
female - TX
Scans
male - AZ
female

Arroyo Darner Rhionaeschna dugesi

size: large, length 70 - 74 mm, wingspan 96 - 108 mm

male: like Blue-eyed Darner but appendages not forked/wrench shaped; bright blue eyes & face; broad blue stripes thorax sides with the first lateral stripe widened downward and the second lateral stripe widening upwards, also a slight extension on top of stripes; abdomen appears almost all blue when in flight, but is mosaic blue, black and copper; bump under 1st segment
In New Mexico, the Arroyo Darner has a dusky brown to bright gold band across the top of the face, and the costa along the front of the wing is sky blue which helps distinguish it form the Blue-eyed Darner

female: facial line pale brown; bump under first segment; spots top seg.10 closely spaced; side stripes show slight extension at the top

habitat: pools of mountain streams in pine and oak habitats

SW flight period: April 24 - November 2

SW distribution: AZ, NM

Southwestern distribution map

Photos
male - CA
male top view - CA
male side view - CA
multiple images - CA
male - CA
male - CA
male - CA
male - CA
appendages - CA
multiple images - CA
female - CA
female ovipositing - CA
pair in wheel - CA
male - OR
Scans
males - CA
male - CA
young male - CA
pair - CA
male-colored female - CA
emerging nymph - CA
exuvia - CA

California Darner Rhionaeschna californica

size: large, length 56 - 64 mm, wingspan 70 - 82 mm

male: small for family; sky blue eyes & spots, immature grayer; face pale blue with black line; thin pale blue thoracic side stripes curve slightly backwards; thin stripes or none thorax top; appendages simple, without small spine; spots on segment 10 closer together than on 9; bump under 1st segment; 3 cells in hindwing super-triangle

female: facial line black; bump under first segment

similar species: compare to very similar Arroyo and Blue-eyed Darners by appendages, thoracic stripes, size and T-spots

habitat: ponds, lakes, slow streams

SW flight period: February 9 - August 29; most often seen early in the season

SW distribution: AZ?, CA, CO, NV, UT

Southwestern distribution map

Information on California Odonata website

Photos
male top view - ID
male side view - ID
multiple images - MT
male - BC
Scans
male - WA
female - WA

Sedge Darner Aeshna juncea

size: very large, length 66 - 75 mm, wingspan 82 - 98 mm

male: thorax side stripes relatively broad, straight edged but tapered, stripes are blue above, greenish-yellow and widest at bottom; face greenish blue with black line; large, closely spaced spots on segment 10; HW anal triangle - two cells; appendages paddle-shaped, no spine

female: black facial line; no bump under 1st segment

habitat: slow waters in forested areas; boggy pondsin mountains esp. with sedge meadows

behavior:hovers over sedge meadows

SW flight period: June 29 - September 5

SW distribution: CO, NM, UT

Southwestern distribution map

Photos
male - AZ
multiple images - AZ
male top view - CA
male side view - CA
2 males - CA
male - CA
male - CA
male - CA
multiple images - CA
multiple images - CA
female - CA
female - CA
female - CA
female ovipositing - CA
male - CO
male - UT
pair in wheel - UT
pair - UT
appendages
Scans
male - CA
male - CA
male - CA
male - CA
male - CA
female, green form - CA
female, blue form - CA
female - CA
female - CA

Variable Darner Aeshna interrupta

size: very large, length 62 - 77 mm, wingspan 89 - 102 mm

male: dark; thorax side stripes interrupted or very narrow; top stripes very narrow or missing; dark bluish eyes; face pale greenish yellow - black line; abdomen spots sky-blue, small spots segment 10 more widely separated than on 9, no spots underside; HW anal triangle - 2 cells; appendages lack spine

female: facial line black; no bump under first segment

habitat: mountain lakes, ponds, bogs

SW flight period: May 10 - October 23

SW distribution: all Southwest

Southwestern distribution map

Information on California Odonata website

Photos
multiple images - AK
male - MT
multiple images - MT
multiple images - NB
Scans
male - WA
male top - BC
male side - BC
female - WA

Zigzag Darner Aeshna sitchensis

size: very small, length 54 - 64 mm, wingspan 74 - 84 mm

male: sides of thorax have zigzag stripes; pale yellow face with black line; HW anal triangle - 2 cells; appendages lack spine

female: facial line black; no bump under first segment

behavior: while most darners prefer to hang perch (vertically) Zigzag often perches flat on rocks/logs

habitat: small bog pools, even moss fens with puddles

SW flight period: Junr 29 - September 6

SW distribution: CO (rare), UT

Southwestern distribution map

Photos
male top view - CA
male side view - CA
male side view - CA
male side view - CA
male side view - CA
male side view - CA
male side view - CA
multiple images - CA
male close-up - CA
appendages - CA
mulitple female images - CA
mulitple female images - CA
mulitple female images - CA
female - CA
female ovipositing - CA
Scans
male - CA
male - CA
male - CA
male - CA
female - CA
male - OR

Walker's Darner Aeshna walkeri

size: very large, length 72 - 77 mm, wingspan 87 - 100 mm

male: face, thoracic stripes nearly white; clear wings, black veins & stigma; abdomen spots large, fewer small spots than other Aeshna; no spots top segment 10, those on segment 9 fused; no blue spots underside; flared paddle-shaped appendages with small spine; 3 cells hw anal triangle; flies late in season

female: thin, dark facial line; no bump; jet black stigma; pale spots s9 widely separated, tiny spots s10

habitat: mostly creeks & streams

SW flight period: May 4 - November 29

SW distribution: CA, NV

Southwestern distribution map

Information on California Odonata website

Photos
male side view - CA
male side view - CA
multiple images - CA
young male - CA
female - CA
male - NM
female - NM
appendages
Scans
male top view - CA
male side view - CA
male multiple images - CA
male - CA
male top view - CA
male side view - CA

Shadow Darner Aeshna umbrosa

size: very large, length 67 - 78 mm, wingspan 86 - 100 mm

male: sometimes appears darker, showing less blue than other Mosaic Darners or as blue as most; frontal thoracic stripe green; straight side stripes are green to blue, with a rearward extenstion at the top; paired pale blue spots underside of abdomen; paired blue spots underside of abdomen; no blue spots top of segment 10; appendages paddle-shaped with small spine; 3 cells in hw anal triangle; flies late in season

female: chocolate brown; no bump; pale spots underside

habitat: often flies in the shade

SW flight period: June 3 - February 12

SW distribution: CA, CO, NV, NM, UT

Southwestern distribution map

Information on California Odonata website

Photos
male side view - AZ
male top view - AZ
male side view - AZ
male side view - AZ
male - AZ
male - AZ
male - AZ
male - AZ
male side view - AZ
appendages - AZ
multiple images- AZ
female - AZ
female - AZ
female - AZ
female top view - AZ
female - AZ
female & male - AZ
female & male - NM
Scans
male - NM

Persephone's Darner Aeshna persephone

size: very large, length 72 - 79 mm, wingspan 100 - 103 mm

male: thorax side stripes broad, parallel sided, yellow; blue eyes; pale green face, black facial line; sky blue mosaic pattern on abdomen less pronounced than on other Aeshna; fused spot segment 9 tri-lobed, spots on 10 reduced or missing; appendages paddle-shaped with small spine

female: wide yellow side stripes; no bump under 1st segment

habitat: desert canyons, along shaded streams

SW flight period: July 19 - November 20

SW distribution: AZ, CO, NM, UT; rare all

Southwestern distribution map

Photos
male - AZ
multiple images - AZ
male top view - CA
male side view - CA
male, multiple images - CA
multiple images - CA
male flying - CA
male flying - CA
female - CA
female ovipositing - CA
multiple images - CO
male - CO
male - CO
male - CO
male flying - CO
male flying - CO
male, multiple images - NM
male - NV
male, multiple images - UT
female, multiple images - UT
appendages
Scans
male - CA
male - CA
male - CA
female - CA
female - CA

Paddle-tailed Darner Aeshna palmata

size: very large, length 62 - 75 mm, wingspan 84 - 97 mm

male: face & thoracic stripes greenish; black line across face; clear wings; in SW, blue spots on top of 9th & 10th abdominal segments usually fused (see p. 58); many small spots; underside of abdomen dark; 3 cells in HW anal triangle; flared paddle-shaped appendages with small spine

female: facial line black; no bump under first segment; terminal appendages widest at central point; styli of ovipositor extend beyond the last segment

habitat: ponds, lakes, small streams

SW flight period: May 1 - November 11

SW distribution: all SW forested areas

Southwestern distribution map

Information on California Odonata website

Photos
male top view
male side view - CO
male side view - CO
female view - CO
multiple images - MT
male top view - BC
male side view
male side view
male - BC
pair - BC
appendages
male - NH
female - NJ
female - NJ
Scans
male - CO
male - WA
female - NE

Lance-tipped Darner Aeshna constricta

size: very large, length 65 - 73 mm, wingspan 88 - 100 mm

male: face pale green-yellow; fine brown facial line; side stripes on thorax indented and extended; abdomen's spots blue-green inc. segment 10; 3 cells in HW anal triangle

similar species: like Paddle-tailed but lacks a black line across the face and the spots atop seg. 9 are not fused

female: distinctive long pointy (lance-like) appendages; relatively large, squarish spots on S9 wrap around to the underside; pale mark on the side of S1 very thin; pair of stripes on top of the thorax well developed; no bump under the thorax; light brown or no line across face

habitat: slow streams and ponds in open marshes

SW flight period: June 11 - October 4

SW distribution: CO, NM, NV, UT

Southwestern distribution map

Photos
male - in hand, CA
female - in hand, CA
male, in hand - WA
multiple images - MT
multiple images - MN
appendages
Scans
male - CA
male - CA
female - CA
teneral female - CA
female - BC

Canada Darner Aeshna canadensis

size: large, length 64 - 73 mm, wingspan 86 - 99 mm

male: thorax side stripes relatively broad; front stripe deeply indented upper half, green, yellow &/or blue; lt. brown facial line;
underside of abdomen has paired pale spots; top of last segment has pale spots; anal triangle hind wing - 2 cells; appendages paddle-shaped

female: facial line light brown; no bump under segment 1; paired spots underside of abdomen

habitat: ponds, lakes, especially beaver ponds

SW flight period: July 26 - October 10

SW distribution: CA

Southwestern distribution map

Information on California Odonata website

Photos
male - CO
multiple images - MT
male, close-up - BC
multiple images - AK
male - NM
appendages
female - MT
female - Manitoba
exuvia - Canada
Scans
male - WA
female

Lake Darner Aeshna eremita

size: very large, 66 - 79 mm, wingspan 85 - 104 mm

male: thorax side stripes relatively broad, blue-green (no yellow); front stripe deeply indented; face yellow-green with black line; blue patch below spiracle; lg. spots on 10th segment; anal triangle hind wing - 2 cells; appendages simple - paddle-shaped

female: black facial line

habitat: mostly forested regions; mountain lakes and ponds

SW flight period: June 29 - September 5

SW distribution: CO, UT

Southwestern distribution map

Photos
multiple images - AZ
female - AZ
female - AZ
male - CA
male - CA
multiple images - TX
appendages
multiple images - Jalisco, MX
Scans
male - TX
female - TX

Turquoise-tipped Darner Rhionaeschna psilus

size: large, length 58 - 60 mm, wingspan 74 - 84 mm

male: small and dark for a darner; blue eyes and blue face with only a faint colored line across;
long, wide green or blue stripes on sides and top of thorax are wavy and uneven;
spots on abdomen small and green colored except for blue on segment 2 and sometimes blue spots on 10;
pale blue color on underside of segments 9 & 10 is diagnostic; bump under 1st segment;
appendages simple, without a true spine

female: thorax similarly marking to male; bump under first segment; wings with amber wash at base;
spots on abd. small and green colored; long appendages

habitat: ponds, ditches and sluggish streams

SW flight period: April 11 - January 11

SW distribution: AZ & has been found once in Orange Co. CA (2007)

Southwestern distribution map

Information on California Odonata website

Photos
male side view - AZ
male - AZ
male & female - AZ
male & female - AZ
female - AZ
female ovipositing - AZ
appendages - AZ
multiple images - AZ
multiple images - AZ
male - NM
male - NM
male - NM
multiple SW images
Scans
female

Riffle Darner Oplonaeschna armata

size: very large, length 66 - 75 mm, wingspan 92 - 110 mm

male: very similar to Mosaic darners; deep blue eyes; strongly indented side thoracic stripes blue above, yellow below; abdomen spots a bit smaller than on Mosaic darners; appendages paddle-shaped with spine & a toothed projection near tip; top of segment 10 has a fingerlike projection

female: short; yellow, blue &/or green spots; no bump

habitat: rocky streams in oak & pine woodlands

SW flight period: May 16 - November 8

SW distribution: AZ, CA?, NM, UT (rare)

Southwestern distribution map

Information on California Odonata website

Photos
multiple images - AZ
multiple images - AZ
multiple images - AZ
in flight - AZ
in flight - AZ
appendages
multiple images - Jalisco, MX
Scans
male -
female -

Malachite Darner Remartinia luteipennis
AKA Coryphaeschna luteipennis (archaic)

size: large, length 58 - 60 mm, wingspan 74 - 84 mm

male: bold wide bright lime-green and brown thoracic top and side stripes; small blue-green triangles atop very dark abdomen; blue eyes and face; distinctive
female: blue eyes; green face; very short appendages

habitat: weedy ponds, lakes, ditches and sluggish streams

SW flight period: July 8 - November 4

SW distribution: AZ, uncommon

Southwestern distribution map

Photos
male, multiple images - AZ
male, multiple images - TX
male, multiple images - TX
male in flight - TX
male- TX
male- TX
young male, multiple images - TX
female- NM
female- TX
male- FL
multiple images - Jalisco, MX
Scans
male
female

Blue-faced Darner Coryphaeschna adnexa

size: large, length 66 - 69 mm, wingspan 88 - 108 mm

male: bright blue face and eyes; green thorax with thin dark stripe; dark brown abomen with thin green rings; appendages lack spine

female: like male with broader abdomen; wings can have amber tint; appendages tend to break off

habitat: ponds, usually covered with floating vegetation such as water lettuce (Pistia), water hyacinth (Eichhornia), or duckweeds (Lemna, Spirodela). It is usually associated with forest.

SW flight period: August 8 - November 8

SW distribution: AZ, NM (rare)

Southwestern distribution map

Photos
female - AZ
multiple images - AZ
multiple images - AZ
male - CA
male - CA
multiple images - CA
male eating a flame skimmer - CA
male & female - CA
ovipositing pairs - CA
multiple images - CA
female - CA
female - CA
female - CA
male - CO
pair - CO
male - NM
female - NM
multiple images - NM
pair ovipositing - NV
male in flight - NV
female
male - UT
female - UT
Scans
male - CA
female - CA
female - CA
female - CA
exuvia - CA
Common vs Giant exuvia - CA

Common Green Darner Anax junius

size: very large, 63 - 84 mm, wingspan 92 - 103 mm

male: more solidly colored than Mosaic Darners; green eyes and yellow-green face; solid green thorax; blue abdomen with wide dark stripe on top; wings can be clear or show yellowish tinge; abdomen carried straight in flight

female: most purplish brown with green; rarer form colored like male (however s2 isn't all green); eyes remain brown

habitat: fields and waterways

behavior: only darner to tandem oviposit; females also lay eggs unguarded

SW flight period: all months in south, migratory

SW distribution: all Southwest

Southwestern distribution map

Information on California Odonata website

Photos
male - AZ
male - AZ
male - AZ
male - AZ
multiple images - AZ
multiple images - AZ & TX male top view - CA
male side view - CA
male side view - CA
male top view - CA
male close-up - CA
male side view - CA
male top view - CA
male - CA
male - CA
multiple images - CA
multiple images - CA
male in flight - CA
male in flight - CA
female - CA
female ovipositing - CA
females ovipositing - CA
Scans
male - CA
male - CA
female - CA
exuvia - CA
Common vs Giant exuvia - CA

Giant Darner Anax walsinghami

size: huge, male 99 - 116 mm, wingspan 115 - 137 mm

male: coloring like Common Green Darner but very long blue & dark patterned abdomen that droops in flight; solid green thorax; eyes blue on top

female: like male; smaller; less blue; 88 - 98 mm, wingspan 112 -122 mm

habitat: canyon & spring-fed streams, marshes, lakes in arid areas

SW flight period: March 15 - November 12

SW distribution: AZ, CA, NM, NV, UT

Southwestern distribution map

Information on California Odonata website

Photos
dragonfly image

Dragonflies are arranged within this family by predominant color/patterning rather than by genus.


interesting exuviae pile-up!

Clubtails - Gomphidae


sizes: large, lengths: 39 - 70 mm
males: most have an enlarged area at end of abdomen; black, brown, green and/or yellow patterned; clear wings with wide stigmas; small eyes widely separated; sprawling legs; well camouflaged; no blue or red coloring
females: often yellow where male green; bodies cylindrical
habitats: life cycle of 2 years usually in rivers, streams
behaviors: males perch on ground/rocks at beach in sunlit areas; females more often found out on vegetation

11 SW genera totaling at least 28 species including:
Clubtails - narrow pale triangles down top of black/brown abdomen; some occur at ponds and lakes
11 SW genera: Phanogomphus & Gomphurus were bothGomphus until 2017
American Clubtails Phanogomphus - 3 SW species
Forceptails Aphylla - 1 SW species
Grappletail Octogomphus - 1 species: abdomen thin & less patterned than others
Hanging Clubtails Stylurus - 8 SW species
Leaftails Phyllogomphoides - 3 SW species
Majestic Clubtails Gomphurus - 2 SW species
Pond Clubtails Arigomphus - 1 SW species
Ringtails Erpetogomphus - 6 SW species: ringed appearance to abdomen; short legs
Sanddragon Progomphus - 2 SW species: narrow clubbed abdomen; short legs
Snaketails Ophiogomphus - 5 SW speciea: 5 very similar species; most in arid lands
Spinylegs Dromogomphus - 1 SW species

Photos
male - CA
male - CA
male - CA
unusual male - CA
multiple images - CA
multiple images - CA
female - CA
female - CA
female - CA
female - CA
multiple images - OR
Scans
mature male - CA
female - CA
female - CA
male - OR
male - OR

Grappletail Octogomphus specularis

size: large, length 49 - 53 mm, wingspan 60 - 82 mm

male: face yellow, eyes dark gray; thorax top - large bold gray- green/yellow urn shaped mark; very thin abdomen almost all black showing less yellow than any other SW clubtail; black legs & stigma; appendages grapple-like

female: thin yellow line top of cylindrical abdomen

habitat: rivers with riffles in wooded hillsides

SW flight period: April 8 - October 27

SW distribution: CA, NV

Southwestern distribution map

Information on California Odonata website

Photos
male - CO
male - CO
male - CO
male
immature male
multiple images
Scans
male - MT
male - SD female - SD

Horned Clubtail Arigomphus cornutus

size: medium/large, length 55-57 mm, wingspan 66-79 mm

male:

minimally clubbed with prominantly forked appendages; pale face with blue eyes; lightly striped thorax sides

female: like male with more pale color on sides of abdomen

habitat: lakes, ponds and slow streams

SW flight period: July 3 - August 12

SW distribution: CO

Southwestern distribution map

Photos
male - AZ
male - AZ
male - AZ
male - AZ
male - AZ
male - AZ
male - AZ
multiple images - AZ
female - AZ
male's hold on female's eyes
male - CA
male - CA
male - CA
male - CA
multiple images - CA
multiple images - CA
multiple images - CA
female - CA
female - CA
female - CA
female - CA
female - CA
pair in cop - CA
male - NM
male - NM
male - NV
pair in wheel - NV
Scans
male - CA
female - CA

Gray Sanddragon Progomphus borealis

size: large, length 56 - 62 mm, wingspan 66 - 72 mm

male: yellow face; thorax sides - large gray patches; dull pale yellow triangles top of very thin black abdomen; costa yellow; upper appendages yellow, lowers dark, same as Common Sanddragon; both arch abdomen when perching

female: more gray/green

habitat: sandy rivers, lakes

SW flight period: March 29 - November 16

SW distribution: AZ, CA, NM, NV, UT (not yet found in CO)

Southwestern distribution map

Information on California Odonata website

Photos
male - NM
pair - NM
male
male - TX
multiple images- NJ
Scans
male side - TX?
male top - TX?
female top - TX?

Common Sanddragon Progomphus obscurus

size: medium/large, length 47- 55 mm, wingspan 60 - 68 mm

male: very similar to Gray Sanddragon, but with two distinct yellow stripes side of thorax; yellow face; on both species the stripes top of thorax form a "W" same pale yellow triangles top of very thin black abdomen; often lacks thin yellow rings at clubbed end on segments 8 & 9; costa yellow

female: less clubbed; paler coloration

habitat: sandy ponds, streams

SW flight period: April 12 - July 24

SW distribution: CO, NM

Southwestern distribution map

Photos
male - CO
male - NM
female - NM
multiple images - TX
multiple images - TX
female - Iowa
Scans
male side -TX?
male top - TX?
female side - TX?
female top - TX?

Flag-tailed Spinyleg Dromogomphus spoliatus

size: medium, length 41 - 47 mm, wingspan 65 - 73 mm

male: blue-gray eyes; face pale; very long legs; pale rings on segments 4-6; yellowish underside of large flattened club

female: no club

habitat: streams, rivers with mud bottomed pools; also lakes and ponds with mud bottoms


SW flight period: July 3 - September 8

SW distribution: CO, NM

Southwestern distribution map

Photos
male - AZ
male - AZ
male - AZ
male - AZ
multiple images - AZ
multiple images - AZ
female - AZ
female - AZ
male - CA
male - CA
female - CA
female - CA
female - CA
female - CA
males & females - CA
multiple images - CA
multiple images - CA
pair - CA
multiple images - CA
female - NM
multiple images - NM
female - NV
female - NV
female - NV
Scans
male - AZ
male - AZ
male - CA
male - CA
male - CA
pair - CA
female - CA
female - CA
female - CA
exuvia - OR

White-belted Ringtail Erpetogomphus compositus

size: medium/large, length 46 - 55 mm, wingspan 60 - 70 mm

male: thorax intricately marked green, yellow, black, middle side stripe the "white belt" conspicuous pale rings on thin dark abdomen, pale diamonds less noticeable; dark yellow club looks as if dipped in gold paint; blue-gray eyes; face pale; yellow costa; looks like composite of several other species

female: no club; white belt

habitat: streams, rivers

SW flight period: March 12 - November 22

SW distribution: all SW (now found CO too)

Southwestern distribution map

Information on California Odonata website

Photos
male - AZ
males - AZ
male - NM
male - NM
male - NM
male - NM
male - NM
multiple images - Jalisco, MX
male - MX
multiple images - MX
Scans
male
female

Yellow-legged Ringtail Erpetogomphus crotalinus

size: medium, length 45 - 49 mm, wingspan 61 - 72 mm

male: thorax green with hardly any dark markings, appears paler than other SW Ringtails; conspicuous pale rings on thin dark abdomen, pale diamonds less noticeable; yellow club; gray eyes; face pale; yellow costa

female: no club

habitat: streams in arid areas

SW flight period: August 5 - October 19

SW distribution: southern AZ, southern NM

Southwestern distribution map

Photos
male - NM
male - NM
male - NM
male - NM
male - NM
male - NM
male - NM
male - NM
male - NM
male - NM
male - NM
male - NM
Scans
male - NM
female

Dashed Ringtail Erpetogomphus heterodon

size: medium, length 50 - 55 mm, wingspan 64 - 74 mm

male: thorax pale green to yellow green with poorly developed dark stripes, esp. on sides; yellow club has thick dark intrusions on the sides; gray eyes; face pale; yellow costa; lower legs black

female: no club

habitat: clear mountain streams with rocks

SW flight period: July 13 - October 16

SW distribution: southern NM

Southwestern distribution map

Photos
multiple images- NM
male - NM
male - NM
male - NM
male - NM
male's appendages - NM
male - NM
female - NM
female
multiple images - GA
Scans
male - side TX?
male - top TX?
female - side TX?
female - top TX?

Eastern Ringtail Erpetogomphus designatus

size: large, length 49 - 55 mm, wingspan 64 - 73 mm

male: bright yellow-green striped thorax, no white, isolated dark area on top is totally contained within green area; pale blue eyes; yellow top of first two abdomen segments; pale rings conspicuous along abdomen top, less noticeable pale diamonds; golden club; wing bases have amber wash

female: no club; no white belt

habitat: sandy rivers, streams

SW flight period: May 5 - October 18

SW distribution: AZ?, CO, NM, NV

Southwestern distribution map

Photos
male E. l. natrix - AZ
male E. l. natrix - AZ
male E. l. natrix - AZ
male E. l. natrix - AZ
male E. l. natrix multipile images - AZ
male E. l. natrix - AZ
male E. l. natrix multipile images -
multiple images -AZ
male E. l. lampropeltis - CA
male E. l. lampropeltis - CA
male E. l. lampropeltis - CA
male E. l. lampropeltis - CA
male E. l. lampropeltis - CA
male E. l. lampropeltis, - multiple images - CA
female E. l. lampropeltis - CA
female E. l. lampropeltis - CA
female E. l. lampropeltis - CA
Scans
male natrix - AZ
male natrix - AZ
male natrix - AZ

Serpent Ringtail Erpetogomphus l. lampropeltis/E. l. natrix

size: medium/large, length 41 - 56 mm, wingspan 58 - 72 mm

male: pale yellow rings on abdomen; golden "tail" no white stripe on thorax; blue eyes; two forms - same abdominal markings but different thoracic pattern and colors:
*E. l. natrix - uninterrupted green markings sides & top of thorax
**E. l. lampropeltis - gray markings thorax; mid-stripe interrupted

female: like male; no club

habitat: streams, rivers

SW flight period: May 16 - November 15

SW distribution: *AZ, *NM, **CA

Southwestern distribution map

Information on California Odonata website

Photos
male - AZ
male - AZ
male - AZ
male - AZ
multiple images - AZ
female - AZ
multiple images - Jalisco, MX
male - MX
teneral male - MX
late season male - MX
Scans
male
female

Straight-tipped Ringtail Erpetogomphus elaps FIRST AMERICAN RECORD: September 17, 2008

size: medium, length 39 - 52 mm, wingspan 51 - 64 mm

male: very green species; blue eyes, green face; segments 1-6 green/blue-green on top, 4-6 usually darker; segment 7 pale green; 8-10 dark red-brown underside, dark top; thorax turns much darker late in the season (Nov.); light colored appendages, uppers are narrow and straight, lower curved at 90 degree angle; thorax green with only one dark area near head

female: blue eyes, green thorax, more stout than male

habitat: rocky streams, rivers

SW flight period: September 9 - 17

SW distribution: AZ

Southwestern distribution map

Photos
multiple images - AZ & MX
male - MX
male - MX
female - MX
female - MX
Scans
male
female

Black-tailed Ringtail Erpetogomphus molossus FIRST AMERICAN RECORD: 30 Aug 2018

size: medium/large, average length 49 mm

male: thorax green with dark double stripe; almost all dark abdomen; blue eyes, green face; segments 1-6 dark on top with thin white rings; segment 7 pale yellow; 8-10 dark top; laterally expanded bulbous-tipped cerci

female:Like male but abdomen stockier

habitat: rocky, closed-canopy mountain streams in pine/oak woodland at around 4,550-5,530 ft.

SW flight period: August 30

SW distribution: AZ - RARE

Southwestern distribution map

Photos
male - NM
male & female - NM
male - NM
male - NM
male - NM
male - NM
male - NM
male - NM
Scans
male side - TX?
male top - TX?
female top - TX?
female side - TX?

Four-striped Leaftail Phyllogomphoides stigmatus

size: very large, length 65 - 70 mm, wingspan 82 - 84 mm

male: yellow green thorax without a lower rear stripe; pale face with brown cross stripes; pale gray eyes; middle abdominal segments ringed; club widely flanged ('leaf-like')

female: flanges on club nearly as wide as on male

habitat: lakes, ponds, slow rivers, streams

SW flight period: May 17 - September 29

SW distribution: NM

Southwestern distribution map

Photos
male - TX
male - TX
male - TX
male - TX
female - TX
female - TX
multiple images - TX
multiple images - TX
Scans
male NM
male side - TX?
male top - TX?
female

Five-striped Leaftail Phyllogomphoides albrighti

size: very large, length 60 - 63 mm, wingspan 76 - 82 mm

male: gray-green thorax, rear side stripe dark; pale face with brown cross stripes; pale gray eyes; middle abdominal segments ringed, but not including segment 8; club widely flanged ('leaf-like')

female: flanges on club about half that of on male

habitat: rivers, streams

SW flight period: July 2

SW distribution: NM

Southwestern distribution map

Photos
male - NM
multiple images, male
male - Sonora, Mexico
female - Sonora, Mexico
multiple images - Jalisco, Mexico
Scans
male - Sonora, Mexico
female

West Mexican Leaftail Phyllogomphoides nayaritensis NEW TO USA 2014

size: very large, length 60-68 mm, wingspan ? mm

male: dark thorax with very slight yellowish cast to the stripes; pale face with dark cross stripes; pale blue eyes; middle abdominal segments incompletly ringed (rings open at top), seg.7/8 has broad complete ring; club widely flanged ('leaf-like')

female: like male but without the widened flanges; the larva is unknown

similar species: stripes on both the 4 and the 5-striped leaftails are silvery white, not pale yellow

habitat: rocky and muddy rivers with moderately swift current

SW flight period: August 19, 2014

SW distribution: NM - RARE

Southwestern distribution map - found in Rotary Park which is a small park in Truth or Consequences, Sierra Co., NM

Photos
male - AZ
male - AZ
male - AZ
male - AZ
multiple images - AZ/MX
male & female - TX
male - TX
male - TX
male - TX
male - TX
multiple images - TX
female - TX
female - TX
female - TX
multiple images - Jalisco, MX
Scans
male
female

Narrow-striped Forceptail Aphylla protracta

size: large, length 54 - 66 mm, 71 - 99 mm

male: greenish yellow face cross-barred with brown
thorax - a wide dark 'shoulder' stripe and 3 equal narrower pale stripes; short dark legs; wings - clear with tan stigma & yellow costa
club widely flanged on segment 8 in both sexes; appendages pincher-like

female: flanges on club nearly as wide as on male

habitat: muck-bottomed lakes

SW flight period: July 4 - August 18

SW distribution: AZ (rare)

Southwestern distribution map

Photos
male - AZ
multiple images - AZ
multiple images - CA
multiple images - CA
male - CA
male - CA
male - CA
male - CA
male - CA
female - CA
female - CA
> multiple images - NM
multiple images - NM & elsewhere
female
drawing showing difference between Eastern & Western forms
Scans
male - CA
male - CA
female - CA
female - CA

Russet-tipped Clubtail Stylurus plagiatus

size: large, length 53 - 66 mm, wingspan 74 - 83 mm

males: green thorax and upper legs; 3 dark stripes thorax side; thorax top dark with pale harp shaped mark; elongated triangles atop abdomen with a ring atop each which is incomplete; CA form has blue eyes; abdominal segments 7 - 10 have yellow bands on sides; abdominal segments 8 & 9 clubbed yellow & brown or black, segment 10 all dark appendages dark and flared when seen from above

females: is similar to male; dark atop 9 & 10

similar species: White-belted and Serpent Ringtails have yellow appendages

habitat: deep sandy streams, rivers and irrigation ditches in arid regions

SW flight period: April 12 - November 16

SW distribution: AZ, so. CA, NM, so. NV

Southwestern distribution map

Information on California Odonata website

Photos
male - AZ
female - AZ
multiple images - CA
male - CA
male - CA
male - CA
female - CA
female - CA
female - CA
pair - CA
multiple images - NM
female - NM
Scans
female - CA

Brimstone Clubtail Stylurus intricatus

size: medium/large, length 41 - 55 mm, wingspan 55 - 64 mm

male: very pale; yellow rings & triangular spots with dark background along abdomen, rings around segments 3-7 only, yellow club has splayed yellow appendages edged with black; yellow head; upper legs yellow; hang-perches on wood, vegetation, not rocks along shoreline

female: similar to male but clubless

habitat: open desert streams/rivers

SW flight period: May 14 - November 10

SW distribution: AZ, CA, CO, NM, NV, UT

Southwestern distribution map

Information on California Odonata website

Photos
multiple images - CA
male - CA
male - CA
male - CA
male - CA
male - CA
male - CA
in flight - CA
multiple images CA
female - CA
female - CA
female - CA
female - CA
female - CA
multiple images - CA, NV, WA
male - NV
female - NV
male - UT
Scans
male - ID
male - ID
female - ID
female - ID

Olive Clubtail Stylurus olivaceus

size: large, length 56 - 60 mm, wingspan 72 - 74 mm

male: thorax sides tawny gray/olive green with no side stripes; thorax top has tawny treelike mark on black; abdomen segments tawny, broadly outlined in black; underside club pale yellow with the top mostly black; appendages black; wings with yellow costa, black veins

female: like male; body long, clubless

habitat: warm, muddy rivers or ponds

SW flight period: May 3 - September 9

SW distribution: CA, NV, UT

Southwestern distribution map

Information on California Odonata website

Photos
male - CA
male - CA
male - CA
male - CA
males - CA
multiple images - CA
multiple images - CA
female - CA
female - CA
male - NV
female - WA
Scans
male - CA
male - CA
female - CA
female - CA
male side - TX?
male top - TX?

Sinuous Snaketail Ophiogomphus occidentis

size: medium/large, length 46 - 52 mm, wingspan 58 - 69 mm

male: yellow-green face with blue eyes; sides of thorax dull olive green with double, dark wavy (sinuous) lines; yellow triangles down abdomen top; club yellow under segments 8-10; five very similar Snaketails occur in the Southwest; compare by shoulder stripe width and shape

female: body more cylindrical

habitat: mountain rivers; lakes

SW flight period: March 20 - August 14

SW distribution: CA, CO?, NV, UT

Southwestern distribution map

Information on California Odonata website

Photos
male - CA
male - CA
male - CA
multiple images - CA
male - CA
male - CA
male - CA
male - CA
male - CA
male - CA
male - CA
female - CA
female - CA
female - CA
Scans
male - CA
female - CA

Bison Snaketail Ophiogomphus bison

size: large, length 50 - 51 mm, wingspan 60 - 70 mm

male: thorax bright green; single wide straight dark shoulder stripe (can show very thin green line in middle); yellow-green face; black legs; gray-blue eyes; abdomen black with yellow triangles, inc. seg. 10; appendages yellow on top

female: body more cylindrical, less clubbed; small (bison-like) horns above eyes

habitat: lowland trout streams

behavior: forages from the shoreline SW flight period: April 17 - October 18

SW distribution: CA, NV, UT

Southwestern distribution map

Information on California Odonata website

Photos
male - AZ
multiple images - CA
multiple images - CA
male - CA
male - CO
male - CO
male - CO
male - CO
female - CO
male - NM
male - NM
multiple images - NM
female close up - NM
female - NM
female - NM
multiple images- OR
Scans
male - CA
male - CA
male - CA
female - CA
female - CA

Pale Snaketail Ophiogomphus severus

size: large, length 48 - 55 mm, wingspan 67 - 72 mm

male: very pale coloration; green thorax, black shoulder stripe often completely missing; variable oval spots sides of thorax top; identify by location & appendages - lower appendages 75% length of uppers

female: body less clubbed; stoUT

habitat: pools of rocky mountain streams

SW flight period: May 19 - October 14

SW distribution: CA, CO, NM, NV, UT, & now AZ Aug. 2004

Southwestern distribution map

Information on California Odonata website

Photos
male - AZ
male - AZ
male, close-up - AZ
multiple images - AZ
multiple images - AZ
male - NM
male - NM
male - NM
male - NM
female - NM
male
female
Scans
male
female

Arizona Snaketail Ophiogomphus arizonicus

size: large, length 48 - 55 mm, wingspan 67 - 72 mm

male: almost identical to Pale Snaketail; very pale coloration; green thorax, black shoulder stripe often completely missing; variable oval spots sides of thorax top; identify by location & appendages - lower appendages 50% length of uppers

female: body less clubbed; stoUT

habitat: pools of rocky mountain streams

SW flight period: June 8 - October 8

SW distribution: AZ, NM

Southwestern distribution map

Photos
male - CA
male - CA
male - CA
male - CA
pair in cop- CA
female - CA
female - CA
female - CA
multiple images - CA
female - CA
multiple images - CA
female - CA
male - OR
multiple images - OR
Scans
male - CA
male - CA
male - CA
male - CA
male - CA
male - CA
male - CA
female - OR

Great Basin Snaketail Ophiogomphus morrisoni

size: large, length 50 - 52 mm, wingspan 58 - 69 mm

male: green thorax; pale shoulder stripe curved (but not wavy), connected to top pale stripe which is wide & flares near the head, looking somewhat like a pollywog; abdomen has yellow triangles down the top and yellow under clubbed segments; blue eyes; stout yellow appendages

female: less clubbed, stoUT

habitat: streams in arid lands

SW flight period: May 22 - August 24

SW distribution: CA, NV

Southwestern distribution map

Information on California Odonata website

Photos
male - CA
male - CA
male - CA
male - CA
male - CA
young male - CA
young male - CA
young male - CA
young male - CA
male - CA
male - CA
multiple images - CA
multiple images - CA
female - CA
female - CA
female - CA
female - CA
female - CA
pair in wheel - CA
Scans
male - CA
male - CA
female - CA
exuvia - CA

Pacific Clubtail Phanogomphus [was Gomphus until 2017] kurilis

size: medium/large, 48-53 mm, wingspan 58 - 68 mm

male: green face with blue eyes; 2 broad green stripes top of thorax; stripe comes to a curved point near abdomen; thorax sides have grayish green `pistol-shaped' mark (yellow in immature); long narrow yellow-green triangular stripes down top of dark abdomen; large yellow marks undersides of expanded 8th and 9th segments; no spots on top of segments 9 & 10 (or very faint spots there); appendages dark

female: less clubbed, stout; yellow where male is green

habitat: only CA Clubtail found at ponds; sluggish streams in valleys; a subspecies occurs at clear mountain lakes

SW flight period: March 18 - August 28 (however mostly a Spring/early Summer species)

similar species: Bison Snaketail not found on ponds and has spots on segments; top thoracic stripe not pointed

Columbia Clubtail has thin pruinosity on its abdomen.

behavior: perch on rocks in water at pond side

SW distribution: CA endemic; central and northern areas

Southwestern distribution map

Photos

male - NM
male - NV
male - OR
male - OR
male - OR
female - OR
multiple images - OR
Scans
male - OR
female - OR
female - OR

Columbia Clubtail Gomphurus [was Gomphus until 2017] lynnae ***NEW TO SW 2013***

IUCN Red Listed/Threatened Species

size: medium/large, 54-60 mm, wingspan ~77 mm

male: blue eyes; yellow atop all abdominal segments; develops a thin pruinosity over its thorax, head, abdomen and upper legs as it matures; yellow atop segment 10

female: less clubbed, stout; like male, develops thin pruinosity

habitat: open rivers with mud and gravel among rocks

SW flight period: found twice, once on 5/19/2013 in NV and 6/29/2014 in NM; elsewhere June - August

similar species: like Pacific Clubtail but with yellow atop seg.10 & deeper club

behavior: perch on rocks in water

SW distribution: RARE in NV & NM - please report all sightings (also found WA & OR)

Southwestern distribution map

Photos

male - CO
multiple images - CO
multiple images - CO
male - NM
male - NM
male - NM
male - NM
male - NM
male - NM
multiple images - NM
female - NM
young female - NM
male - TX
female - TX
female - TX
male & female - TX
male side view - NE
Scans
male side - TX?
male top - TX?
female top - TX?
female side - TX?

Plains Clubtail Gomphurus [was Gomphus until 2017] externus

size: medium/large, 52-59 mm, wingspan 62 - 68 mm

male: yellow stripes &/or spots atop all abdominal segments; narrow brown side stripes have a thin yellow line between them; segments 8-9 mostly yellow; appendages black; blue eyes when mature; white stripe amid yellow stipes side of thorax

female: only a little less clubbed, more stout; colorful as male

habitat: t: streams and rivers with muddy or sandy bottoms

similar species: Sulphur-tipped Clubtail (G. militaris) smaller; yellow on legs; more yellow on club; CO, NM
Pronghorn Clubtail (Phanogomphus graslinellus) the edge of segment 8 is usually all yellow; CO (rare); see website
White-belted Ringtail rings not stripes atop abdomen
Columbia Clubtail (G. lynnae) NV, NM (rare in both); develops pruinosity; no white on thorax; see page 182 & website Pacific Clubtail no white on thorax

SW flight period: March 12 - August 14

SW distribution: CO, NM, UT

Southwestern distribution map

Photos
male - ID
male - ID
pair - ID
female - ID
multiple images - AR
Scans
male side - TX?
male top - TX?
male - SD
female - SD
female top - TX?

Pronghorn Clubtail Phanogomphus [was Gomphus until 2017] graslinellus

size: medium/large, 47-59 mm, wingspan 60 - 70 mm

male: boldly marked with green and yellow; blue eyes; bright yellow face; large club with segment 7 mostly black on the sides, seg. 9 top mostly yellow & rectangular shaped

female: less clubbed, stout; as colorful as male

habitat: ponds, lakes and slow streams

similar species: Plains Clubtail

behavior: doesn't hover over riffles

SW flight period: July 4 - August 29

SW distribution: CO

Southwestern distribution map

Photos
male - CO
male - CO
male - CO
teneral male - CO
pair - CO
female - CO
female - CO
female - CO
multiple images - NM
male - NM
male - NM
male - NM
pair - NM
teneral female - NM
multiple images - TX
multiple images - TX
multiple images - TX
Scans

Sulphur-tipped Clubtail Phanogomphus [was Gomphus until 2017] militaris

size: medium/large, 47-53 mm, wingspan 60 - 70 mm

male: like Pronghorn but yellower and paler; pale shoulder stripe; blue eyes; bright yellow face; large club with segments 7-9 deep yellow on top

female: less clubbed, stout; white arrowlike markings atop abdomen end in yellow arrowhead

habitat: ponds, lakes and slow streams with mud bottoms

similar species: Pronghorn Clubtail

SW flight period: May 10 - September 22

SW distribution: CO, NM

Southwestern distribution map

Photos
dragonfly image

mixed families (large, black & yellow):


sizes: large; lengths: 54 - 85 mm
males: members of these families & genera have dark background color with yellow markings on the thorax and abdomen; compare by appendage shapes & side stripes
females: marked like the males but bodies more stout
habitats: life cycle of 2+ years in rivers, streams, seeps
behaviors: Petaltail flight weak, others very strong fliers

3 SW genera totaling 5 species:
Petaltail Petaluridae - 1 SW species: dark eyes do not touch; spots (not stripes) on thorax & abdomen; long stigma; petal-like appendages; nymph semi terrestrial - burrows in seeps; CA & NV (rare)
Cruisers Macromiidae - 2 SW species: gray eyes just touch each other; thorax - single yellow stripe; have long sprawling legs
Spiketails Cordulegasteridae- 2 SW species: long legs; body arched in powerful flight; teardrop shaped blue eyes barely touch each other; thorax - two wide yellow stripes top and each side

Photos
male - AZ
multiple images - AZ, CA, OR
male - CA
male - CA
male - CA
male - CA
male - CA
male - CA
male - CA
multiple images - CA
female - CA
female - CA
pair - CA
male - TX
Scans
male - CA
male - CA
male - CA
male - CA
female - CA
female - CA

Western River Cruiser Macromia magnifica

size: very large, length 68 - 74 mm, wingspan 86 - 100

male: pale face; pearly gray eyes touch each other; dark thorax has single yellow side stripe; only half-length stripe on top of thorax; slightly clubbed abdomen has squared yellow spots top, segment 8 spot largest; very long legs; flies with the abdomen in a slight arch

female: like male, not clubbed

nymph: sprawlers; 'spider-like'

exuvia: often found under bridge supports

habitat: lowlands streams & rivers

SW flight period: April 18 - September 14

SW distribution: AZ, CA, NV, UT

Southwestern distribution map

Information on California Odonata website

Photos
multiple images - TX
multiple images - TX
male - TX
Scans
male top - TX
male side - TX
female -

Bronzed River Cruiser Macromia annulata

size: very large, length 68 - 73 mm, wingspan 90 - 102

male: very similar to Western River Cruiser but top thoracic stripe full length; pale face; green tinted eyes touch each other; bronzy brown thorax has single yellow side stripe; top stripe nearly full length; segment 1 yellow on side; slightly clubbed abdomen has squared yellow spots top, segment 8 spot largest; very long legs

female: like male, not clubbed

habitat: streams & rivers in dry country

SW flight period: June 14 - August 15

SW distribution: NM

Southwestern distribution map

Photos
male - AZ
male - AZ
male - CA
male - CA
male - CA
male - CA
multiple images - CA
multiple images - CA
pair in wheel - CA
female - CA
female - CA
female - CA
female - CA
female - CA
female ovipositing - CA
female ovipositing - CA
*male C. d. deserticola male - CA
*male C. d. deserticola male - CA
male - CA
multiple images - CA
exuvia - CA
male - CO
Scans
male - AZ
male - CA
male - CA
male - CA
*male, desert race - CA
female - CA
exuvia - CA
female side view - TX?
female top view - TX?

Pacific Spiketail Cordulegaster dorsalis

size: very large, length 70 - 85 mm, wingspan 86 - 105

male: pale face; tear drop-shaped blue eyes barely touch; dark thorax, two wide yellow stripes top & sides; abdomen dark with yellow spots segment 2- 9; powerful flyer;
* C. d. deserticola (desert race) more yellow, thin yellow lines between spots

female: long spike like ovipositor; dark wing tips; both sexes hang-perch

habitat: hillside small wooded streams

SW flight period: May 7 - November 19
* C. d. deserticola (desert/Great Basin race) June 21 -August 27

SW distribution: AZ, CA, CO, NM, UT;
* C. d. deserticola (desert race)*CA, *NV, *UT?

Southwestern distribution map

Information on California Odonata website

Photos
male - AZ
male - AZ
male - AZ
male - AZ
male - AZ
male - AZ
teneral male - AZ
female - AZ
female - AZ
multiple images - AZ
male - NM
male - UT
male - UT
Scans
male - UT
female

Apache Spiketail Cordulegaster diadema

size: very large, length 74 - 88 mm, wingspan 89 - 109

male: very dark appearance; narrowly separated tear-shaped aqua-blue eyes are yellow-green in juveniles; dark abdomen is banded rather than spotted, with segments 6-8 expanded, thin half-ring between bands

female: similar to male; long abdomen with long spike like ovipositor; both sexes perch by hanging

habitat: small mountain streams with silt bottomed pools

SW flight period: April 4 - October 22

SW distribution: AZ, western NM, so. UT

Southwestern distribution map

Photos
male - CA
male - CA
multiple images - CA
female - CA
female - CA
pair & habitat - CA
nymph - CA
exuvia - CA
Scans
male - CA
male - CA
male - CA
male - CA
female - CA
nymph - CA
exuviae - CA

Black Petaltail Tanypteryx hageni

size: large, length 54 - 62 mm, wingspan 68 - 76

male: dark eyes do not touch; spots (not stripes) on thorax & abdomen; long stigma; petal-like appendages

female: similar to male

habitat: seeps; often associated with serpentine soils and the carnivorous Pitcher Plants (Darlingtonia)

behavior: perch by 'clinging;' known to perch on people!
nymph are semi terrestrial - burrows in seeps

SW flight period: May 13 - August 21

SW distribution: CA, NV (rare)

Southwestern distribution map

Information on California Odonata website


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I'm glad you enjoy the dragonflies and damselflies too! THANK-YOU for visiting!!

Kathy Biggs, Azalea Creek Publishing
Kathy Biggs

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