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unicorn clubtail
unicorn clubtail (Arigomphus villosipes)
Illinois Status: uncommon, native
Photo © Mary Kay Rubey
Features and Behaviors
FEATURES
The unicorn clubtail is a medium-sized (two inches long), mostly yellow green dragonfly. It has bright, electric green eyes on a yellow face, with black legs, and a complex black pattern on the abdomen. The bright tipped cerci, at the end of the abdomen, are a great identifying feature and give this species it’s namesake.
BEHAVIORS
The unicorn is found in the northeastern region of the state, between the Rock and Kankakee Rivers. It flies from late May to mid-July, near mud-bottomed lakes, ponds, and marshes with cattails. They can be seen flying back and forth, just above the water's surface or perching on muddy shorelines.
Illinois Range
Taxonomy
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Odonata
Family: Gomphidae
Habitats
mud-bottomed lakes, ponds, and marshes with cattails
