Adult males maintain rapid and prolonged flights to patrol for females and often hover over open water (Dunkle 2000, Nikula et al. Adults are found perching on emergent rocks in rivers or on the banks or leaves at river edges (Nikula et al. Gomphid larvae spend much of their time burrowing into the substrate of streams and rivers where they are found. Both sexes have a yellow face and black legs however, the hind thighs of the females often have a pale lateral (side) stripe. Female Midland Clubtails have thicker abdomens than males, with a slightly narrower club. Male terminal appendages and female subgenital plates are distinctive from other Gomphus species when examined under magnification. ![]() They have blue-green eyes and, as with all Gomphids, their eyes are separated dorsally. Midland Clubtails are 1.9-2.2 inches in length. Also, there are yellow patches on the sides of the club portion of the abdomen (segments 8 and 9). There is often (not always) a little dorsal spot on segment 9 as well, but segment 10 is black dorsally. They have a slender, blackish abdomen with a widened "club" at the end with yellow dorsal stripes on abdominal segments 3-7 and a yellow triangular spot on segment 8. ![]() The Midland Clubtail has a dark brown thorax with greenish yellow dorsal (top) stripes that form a rear-ward facing "U" pattern. The Midland Clubtail belongs to the subgenus Gomphurus, which may be characterized by having the broadest clubs in the Clubtail family and their overall large size. Identification Comments Identifying CharacteristicsĪs their name suggests, Clubtails have an enlarged tip on the end of their abdomens, giving them a club-like appearance. In addition, research is required to understand the habitat requirements and threats to this species, and to create appropriate management guidelines for its persistence in known locations (Holst 2005). Research Needsįurther research is needed to define the distribution and population size of the Midland Clubtail. Conservation Strategies and Management PracticesĪny efforts to reduce roadway and agricultural run-off, industrial pollution, flow manipulation, development of upland stream borders, and contamination of fast-flowing streams should be considered when managing for this species (Natural Heritage Endangered Species Program 2003, Holst 2005). Such threats might include roadway and agricultural run-off, industrial pollution, the building of dams, recreational boating, and development near their habitats (Natural Heritage Endangered Species Program 2003, Holst 2005). ![]() Since observations are fairly recent, and the full extent and size of the populations have not been determined, long-term trends are unclear.Īny activity which might lead to water contamination or the alteration of natural hydrology could impact Midland Clubtail populations (Holst 2005). Long-term information regarding population size is not available prior to the late 1990s (New York Natural Heritage Program 2007). Recent observations have been noted in Orange and Oneida counties in the late 1990s. Therefore, any new location information on the Midland Clubtail in New York may reflect heightened interest in surveying for this species rather than a population increase or a range expansion (Holst 2005). General reports of observations made prior to this include locations in three additional counties, but information prior to the late 1990s is limited (Donnelly 2004). No estimation of population size for this species has been made based on observations from the late 1990s in Orange and Oneida counties (New York Natural Heritage 2007). Further survey efforts may result in the identification of additional populations or range expansions, and may enable population size estimations. ![]() The Midland Clubtail is known to occur in two locations in New York State, with no population estimates determined. The Midland Clubtail has strong flight capabilities, which allow it to capture other dragonflies such as the Twelve-spotted Skimmer (Libellula pulchella) and the Eastern Pondhawk (Erythemis simplicicollis) as prey (Mead 2003).
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |