Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Black-shouldered Spinyleg (Dromogomphus spinosus)

A member of the clubtail family, Gomphidae. The last abdominal segments are enlarged in many Gomphid species, giving them, as their name implies, a clubbed tail. The relatively small, widely spaced eyes are also typical of this large dragonfly family. The pale capital "I" flanked by two oval spots on the upper surface of the thorax is a distinguishing field mark of this species.


A lateral view of another male. This dragonfly seems to prefer perching on a flat surfaces such as this rock along the bank of the Moira River.