russet-tipped clubtail

russet-tipped clubtail (Stylurus plagiatus) [male]
Photo © Mary Kay Rubey

FEATURES
The russet-tipped clubtail is two to two and one-half inches long; has large, blue-green eyes; large, clear wings with black veins; and a moderately clubbed, orange to brown tail. Males have a dark blue head, several black stripes over their light blue thorax, and their abdomen is metallic blue with small light blue spots on top. Females have the same black thorax markings over a light green body; a brown, slightly shorter and wider abdomen than males, with light green spots on top. This species is the only one like it in Illinois. 

BEHAVIOR
The russet-tipped clubtail can be found near large and small, slow-flowing rivers and streams. They occur statewide and can be seen flying from June to October. Males and females are active throughout the day and spend most of the time perched in trees, but males are more frequently seen patrolling breeding habitats, riffles in streams. The russet-tipped clubtail has a large US distribution and relatively long adult life, making them a very successful species.

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Odonata
Family: Gomphidae