Identification
side of abominal segments 8 and 9 with large yellow spot; dorsal surface of S9 entirely black; terminal club wide and flattened in male; individuals with turquoise eyes usually have light grayish-green patches on back of thorax - and those with grayish eyes usually have bright yellowish-green patches on back; face either pale yellowish or same color as dorsal thoracic patches; series of elongate and apically-pointed markings along top of abdomen, becoming increasingly shorter and more yellow rearward; oblique greenish stripes on side of thorax; remainder of body black; wings clear except for black stigma; legs black
Range
concentrated mainly around the Great Lakes and in a broad band running diagonally from Tennessee to Manitoba; scattered locations east to the Atlantic; range boundaries: Quebec and Maine to North Carolina, west to Iowa and South Dakota, north to western Manitoba
Habitat
sandy areas along rivers and streams
See Also
Plains Clubtail (
Gomphus externus) has large yellow spot on top of abdominal segment 9 (that area is entirely black in Midland Clubtail)
Internet References
live adult images plus description, flight season, habitat, similar species (Iowa Odonata Survey)
Contributed by
Robin McLeod on 7 November, 2005 - 5:57pm
Additional contributions by
marcie oconnorLast updated 16 March, 2021 - 10:20am