Pale Snaketail
ExploreInsects
Pale Snaketail
Ophiogomphus severus
The Pale Snaketail is a unique dragonfly with a long, slender body and bright green eyes. It loves to fly around rivers and streams, making it a fun sight for nature lovers!
Habitat: Wetlands
Appearance
The Pale Snaketail has a robust body with distinct widely-separated green eyes. Its thorax and abdomen are primarily pale yellowish-green, marked with dark brown or black stripes, giving it a somewhat muted appearance compared to brighter dragonflies.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderOdonataFamilyGomphidaeGenusOphiogomphus
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Adult snaketails spend most of their short lives searching for food and mates near water.
Baby snaketails (nymphs) have a special lower lip that shoots out to grab prey!
Their amazing aquatic larvae can live hidden underwater for several years before transforming!
Unlike many dragonflies, snaketails perch flat on the ground, blending perfectly with rocks!
Special abilities
Ability
Eagle Eyes
Pale Snaketail has huge compound eyes that let it spot tiny prey from far away while flying.
Ability
Supersonic Flight
Pale Snaketail can dart and hover with powerful wings, allowing quick maneuvers to catch other flying insects.
Ability
Underwater Breather
Its nymphs breathe underwater using gills inside their rectum, letting them stay submerged and hidden.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 60-90 mm
- Size
- 40-55 mm
- Lifespan
- 15-60 days
- Flight Speed
- 35 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Tiny hunters, Pale Snaketails eat other insects, both as flying adults and aquatic nymphs.
Age differences: Nymphs hunt aquatic insects and larvae underwater; adults pursue flying insects in the air.
Primary Foods
- mosquitoes
- gnats
- midges
- smaller flies
- mayfly nymphs
- caddisfly larvae
Foraging Method
- Pursuit
Ecological connections
hunts
Yellow Fever Mosquito
Aedes aegypti
Adults catch mosquitoes in flight near water.
eats
Green Drake Mayfly
Ephemera danica
Nymphs ambush mayfly larvae on the riverbed.
eaten by
American Bullfrog
Rana catesbeiana
Bullfrogs prey on adult snaketails near the water's edge.
eaten by
American Mink
Mustela vison
Mink hunt aquatic dragonfly nymphs in shallow streams.
Traits
Aerial
Aerial creatures spend a significant portion of their lives airborne, utilizing flight for various activities such as hunting, migration, or nesting.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Insectivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
Wetland
This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Freshwater
Freshwater habitats include non-saline aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands, vital for numerous species.
Speedster
This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Be careful not to disturb dragonflies when you see them near water.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pale Snaketail's wingspan?
60-90 mm
How big is Pale Snaketail?
40-55 mm
How long does Pale Snaketail live?
15-60 days
How fast can Pale Snaketail fly?
35 km/h
What does Pale Snaketail eat?
Tiny hunters, Pale Snaketails eat other insects, both as flying adults and aquatic nymphs.
Where is Pale Snaketail usually found?
Wetlands
How does Pale Snaketail hunt?
Pursuit
How many legs does Pale Snaketail have?
6
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
