Eastern Ringtail

erpetogomphus designatus

The Eastern Ringtail (Erpetogomphus designatus) is a captivating member of the clubtail dragonfly family. Renowned for its striking coloration and active behaviors, this species is commonly found near fast-flowing rivers and rocky streams throughout the central and southern United States. Unlike many other dragonflies that hang from vegetation, the Eastern Ringtail is famous for its habit of perching flat on sunny rocks, sandbars, or gravelly shores. It is an efficient and agile aerial predator, serving as a vital indicator of healthy aquatic ecosystems due to its sensitive larval stage. Watching one of these bright insects dart over water on a sunny day is a true highlight for nature enthusiasts.

Habitat: Found along sandy, gravelly, or rocky banks of medium-to-large rivers and fast-flowing streams.

Appearance

This medium-sized dragonfly features a vibrant olive-green to bright yellow-green thorax marked with elegant dark brown or black stripes. Its abdomen is slender, patterned with alternating dark rings and pale spots, and terminates in a slightly swollen, flared 'club' shape characteristic of its family. Its wings are completely clear with highly detailed, dark venation and a wingspan reaching up to 7 centimeters. Its most defining facial feature is its widely separated, brilliant green or blue-green eyes, which do not meet at the top of the head like other dragonfly species.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderOdonataFamilyGomphidaeGenusErpetogomphus

Eastern Ringtail

Interesting facts

The Eastern Ringtail belongs to the clubtail family, named for the distinctive swollen segment at the very end of their abdomen.

They are highly dependent on solar heat and are rarely seen active on overcast, windy, or cool days.

Unlike most other dragonfly families whose eyes touch at the top of the head, clubtails have widely separated eyes.

Special abilities

Unlike other dragonfly families that cling to vertical stems, this species is specially adapted to perch horizontally on flat, sun-baked rocks or gravel, matching its body temperature to the substrate.

During its aquatic nymph stage, it uses a modified, high-speed extendable lower lip to seize prey from the muddy riverbed.

Can move each of its four wings independently, allowing it to hover, fly backward, and change direction in a fraction of a second to catch prey.

Measurements & details

Length: 5-6 cm
Wingspan: 6-7 cm
Weight: 0.0001-0.0003 kg
Lifespan: 1-2 years
Top Speed: 35 km/h
Clutch Size: 100-500
Incubation: 10-21 days

Diet & Feeding

An opportunistic carnivore that captures a wide variety of flying insects in mid-air, while its aquatic nymphs feed on soft-bodied aquatic larvae.

Age differences: Nymphs are aquatic ambush predators feeding on aquatic insects, worms, and tiny fish, whereas adults are aerial pursuit predators feeding on flying insects.