Elusive Clubtail

stylurus notatus

The Elusive Clubtail (Stylurus notatus) is a fascinating species of dragonfly, aptly named for its tendency to remain hidden along the banks of clean, flowing rivers and streams. This clubtail is a testament to the health of its aquatic environment, as its presence often indicates good water quality. It belongs to the family Gomphidae, known for their robust bodies and distinctive 'club' at the end of the male's abdomen. Observing an Elusive Clubtail in the wild is a rewarding experience for nature enthusiasts, requiring patience and a keen eye due to its camouflaged appearance and preference for less disturbed habitats.

Habitat: Found in clean, moderately flowing rivers and large streams with sandy or silty bottoms, often near stretches with emergent vegetation.

Appearance

Adult Elusive Clubtails are medium-sized dragonflies, typically ranging from 5 to 6.5 cm in length, with a wingspan of about 6 to 8 cm. Their bodies are predominantly black with striking yellow markings. The thorax displays bold yellow stripes, while the abdomen features yellow spots or streaks along the top. Males possess a distinctive, flattened and expanded 'club' at the end of their abdomen (segments 7-9), which is primarily black. The eyes are widely separated and typically green or yellowish-green. Their wings are clear, with dark veins and a dark pterostigma.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderOdonataFamilyGomphidaeGenusStylurus

Elusive Clubtail

Interesting facts

Elusive Clubtails are known for their strong, direct flight and their habit of perching horizontally on flat surfaces close to the ground or water.

Like all dragonflies, the Elusive Clubtail spends the majority of its life (2-4 years) as an aquatic nymph before emerging as a flying adult for only a few weeks.

The 'club' on the male's abdomen is a distinguishing feature of the Gomphidae family, though not all species have such a prominent one.

The scientific name 'Stylurus' comes from Greek, meaning 'pillar tail,' referring to the distinctive shape of their abdomens.

Special abilities

The larvae of the Elusive Clubtail are adapted to burrow into the sandy or silty substrate of riverbeds, using their flattened bodies and cryptic coloration to hide from predators and ambush prey.

Adult clubtails are agile flyers that often perch on vegetation or rocks along the water's edge. From these vantage points, they launch quick, darting attacks to capture flying insect prey in mid-air.

The presence of Stylurus notatus larvae and adults is often an indicator of good to excellent water quality, as they are sensitive to pollution and require clean, well-oxygenated aquatic environments.

Measurements & details

Length: 5-6 cm
Wingspan: 6-8 cm
Weight: 0.0005-0.001 kg
Lifespan: 2-4 years
Top Speed: 45 km/h
Clutch Size: 1000-5000
Incubation: 7-20 days

Diet & Feeding

Both larval and adult Elusive Clubtails are predatory insectivores. Larvae feed underwater on aquatic invertebrates, while adults hunt flying insects in the air.

Age differences: Larvae feed on aquatic invertebrates in the water column and benthic zones. Adults feed exclusively on flying insects captured in the air.

Primary Foods

Mosquitoes
Midges
Mayflies
Small flies
Caddisflies
Other small flying insects

Foraging Method

Larvae Primarily Ambush Prey From Within The Substrate; Adults Are Aerial Pursuit Hunters From A Perch.

Ecological connections

hunts

Mosquito

Culex pipiens

Adult Elusive Clubtails hunt and consume various small flying insects.

eaten by

Smallmouth Bass

Micropterus dolomieu

Elusive Clubtail larvae are prey for various fish species within their aquatic habitat.

eaten by

Eastern Kingbird

Tyrannus tyrannus

Adult Elusive Clubtails can fall prey to larger insectivorous birds.

habitat provider

Waterweed

Elodea canadensis

Aquatic vegetation provides shelter and hunting grounds for larval clubtails.

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 Elusive Clubtail?

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

How long is Elusive Clubtail?

5-6 cm

What is Elusive Clubtail's wingspan?

6-8 cm

How much does Elusive Clubtail weigh?

0.0005-0.001 kg

How long does Elusive Clubtail live?

2-4 years

How fast can Elusive Clubtail move?

45 km/h

What does Elusive Clubtail eat?

Both larval and adult Elusive Clubtails are predatory insectivores. Larvae feed underwater on aquatic invertebrates, while adults hunt flying insects in the air.

Where is Elusive Clubtail usually found?

Found in clean, moderately flowing rivers and large streams with sandy or silty bottoms, often near stretches with emergent vegetation.