Lancet Clubtail

phanogomphus exilis

The Lancet Clubtail (Phanogomphus exilis) is a relatively small, early-season dragonfly belonging to the clubtail family (Gomphidae). Known for its striking black and yellow-green coloration, it earns its common name from the lance-shaped yellow markings running down the top of its abdomen. Like many clubtails, it has a habit of perching flat on the ground, rocks, or broad leaves, rather than clinging vertically to stems. It is an agile flyer that patrols calm water bodies during the spring and early summer, capturing smaller insects on the wing. Although its 'club'—the widening at the tip of the abdomen—is less pronounced than in other species of its family, its distinctive markings and widely spaced eyes make it a fascinating find for nature enthusiasts.

Habitat: Found near ponds, lakes, bogs, and slow-moving streams, typically favoring areas with sandy, muddy, or detritus-rich bottoms where their larvae can burrow.

Appearance

This species is a slender dragonfly typically measuring between 4 to 4.5 centimeters in length. Its thorax is vividly striped with yellowish-green and black, while the abdomen is predominantly black with a series of dorsal yellow spots that resemble the shape of a lancet (a sharp, two-edged surgical instrument) near the tail. Unlike some of its heavier relatives, the widening or 'club' at the end of its abdomen is relatively modest. It features large, widely separated, striking green eyes, a distinguishing trait of the Gomphidae family.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderOdonataFamilyGomphidaeGenusPhanogomphus

Lancet Clubtail

Interesting facts

The 'Lancet' in their name refers to the pointy, dagger-like shape of the yellow markings on the top of their abdomen.

They spend up to 90 percent of their lives underwater as nymphs, only emerging for a brief few weeks to fly, mate, and lay eggs.

Unlike most other dragonfly families whose eyes meet at the top of their head, the eyes of clubtails, including the Lancet Clubtail, are noticeably separated.

Special abilities

Unlike many dragonflies that hang vertically, Lancet Clubtails prefer to land flat on the ground or horizontal surfaces, allowing them to absorb radiant heat.

In their nymph stage, they possess specially adapted legs for burrowing into the sandy or muddy substrates of aquatic environments to camouflage and ambush prey.

Adults are highly agile fliers that calculate intercept trajectories to snatch small flying insects directly out of the air.

Measurements & details

Length: 4-5 cm
Wingspan: 5-6 cm
Weight: 0.0001-0.0005 kg
Lifespan: 1-2 years
Top Speed: 30 km/h
Clutch Size: 500-2000
Incubation: 7-21 days

Diet & Feeding

As adults, they are voracious aerial predators of smaller flying insects, while their aquatic nymphs ambush various aquatic invertebrates.

Age differences: Nymphs are aquatic ambush predators of water-dwelling invertebrates, whereas adults are aerial hunters of flying insects.

Primary Foods

Mosquitoes
Midges
Small flies
Aquatic insect larvae

Foraging Method

Pursuit

Ecological connections

eaten by

Eastern Kingbird

Tyrannus tyrannus

Preyed upon by insectivorous birds while perching or flying.

hunts

Non-biting Midges

Chironomidae

Hunts large numbers of small aquatic midges as they emerge.

eaten by

Bluegill

Lepomis macrochirus

Nymphs are eaten by predatory freshwater fish.

Traits

No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

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Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Lancet Clubtail?

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

How long is Lancet Clubtail?

4-5 cm

What is Lancet Clubtail's wingspan?

5-6 cm

How much does Lancet Clubtail weigh?

0.0001-0.0005 kg

How long does Lancet Clubtail live?

1-2 years

How fast can Lancet Clubtail move?

30 km/h

What does Lancet Clubtail eat?

As adults, they are voracious aerial predators of smaller flying insects, while their aquatic nymphs ambush various aquatic invertebrates.

Where is Lancet Clubtail usually found?

Found near ponds, lakes, bogs, and slow-moving streams, typically favoring areas with sandy, muddy, or detritus-rich bottoms where their larvae can burrow.