Ashy Clubtail

phanogomphus lividus

The Ashy Clubtail (Phanogomphus lividus) is a medium-sized dragonfly belonging to the Gomphidae family, known for its distinctive club-shaped abdomen in males. These fascinating insects play a crucial role in freshwater ecosystems, serving as both predators of smaller insects and an indicator of healthy aquatic environments. Their life cycle, transitioning from an aquatic nymph to a swift, aerial adult, highlights their adaptability and ecological importance in their native habitats.

Habitat: The Ashy Clubtail is typically found near clean, flowing waters such as rivers and streams, often with sandy or gravelly bottoms, as well as adjacent wooded areas where adults perch.

Appearance

The Ashy Clubtail typically features a yellowish-green to greenish-gray body, often with dark, ash-colored markings. Its abdomen has distinct black stripes along the top and sides, and the male's abdomen tapers before widening into a prominent club-like structure at the very end. The eyes are usually grayish-blue or green, and the wings are clear with dark veins, often showing a slight yellowish tint at the base. They measure about 4 to 5 centimeters in length, with a wingspan of 6 to 8 centimeters.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderOdonataFamilyGomphidaeGenusPhanogomphus

Ashy Clubtail

Interesting facts

Ashy Clubtail nymphs are well-camouflaged, often burying themselves in the substrate of streambeds, leaving only their eyes and breathing apparatus exposed, waiting to ambush prey.

Dragonflies possess nearly 360-degree vision due to their large compound eyes, allowing them to spot prey and predators from almost any direction.

Like all dragonflies, the Ashy Clubtail undergoes incomplete metamorphosis, with its larval stage (nymph) living entirely underwater for one to two years before emerging as a flying adult.

The 'clubtail' in its name refers to the distinctive club-like widening at the end of the male's abdomen, a common feature in the Gomphidae family.

Special abilities

Adult Ashy Clubtails exhibit powerful, agile flight, allowing them to effectively hunt and capture other flying insects mid-air with remarkable precision and speed.

As nymphs, they are masters of camouflage, burying themselves in sediment at the bottom of streams and rivers to ambush unsuspecting aquatic invertebrates.

The presence of Ashy Clubtails often signifies good water quality, as their sensitive nymphs are vulnerable to pollution and require clean, well-oxygenated aquatic environments to thrive.

Measurements & details

Length: 4-5 cm
Wingspan: 6-8 cm
Weight: 0.001-0.002 kg
Lifespan: 1-2 years
Top Speed: 35 km/h
Clutch Size: 200-800
Incubation: 7-30 days

Diet & Feeding

Both adult Ashy Clubtails and their aquatic nymphs are voracious predators, feeding exclusively on other insects. Adults hunt in the air, while nymphs lie in wait beneath the water, ambushing passing prey.

Age differences: Larval nymphs are aquatic ambush predators, consuming smaller aquatic invertebrates, while adults are aerial pursuit predators, primarily consuming flying insects.

Primary Foods

Mosquitoes
Midges
Gnats
Caddisflies
Mayflies
Damselflies

Foraging Method

Pursuit (adults), Ambush (nymphs)

Ecological connections

eaten by

Eastern Kingbird

Tyrannus tyrannus

Adults are preyed upon by insectivorous birds, especially while perched or during flight.

eaten by

Smallmouth Bass

Micropterus dolomieu

Ashy Clubtail nymphs serve as a food source for various freshwater fish.

hunts

Mosquito

Culicidae

Adult Ashy Clubtails are significant predators of flying insects, helping to control their populations.

hunts

Mayfly Nymph

Ephemeroptera

Nymphs of the Ashy Clubtail feed on smaller aquatic invertebrates in their stream habitats.

Traits

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Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

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Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Ashy Clubtail?

The easiest way to identify Ashy Clubtail is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Ashy Clubtail?

4-5 cm

What is Ashy Clubtail's wingspan?

6-8 cm

How much does Ashy Clubtail weigh?

0.001-0.002 kg

How long does Ashy Clubtail live?

1-2 years

How fast can Ashy Clubtail move?

35 km/h

What does Ashy Clubtail eat?

Where is Ashy Clubtail usually found?

The Ashy Clubtail is typically found near clean, flowing waters such as rivers and streams, often with sandy or gravelly bottoms, as well as adjacent wooded areas where adults perch.