Zebra Clubtail

Stylurus scudderi

Zebra Clubtail larvae spend years buried completely in riverbed sand, using a specialized tube-like abdomen to draw in oxygenated water from above.

Scientific name: Stylurus scudderi
Taxonomy: Animalia › Arthropoda › Insecta › Odonata › Gomphidae › Stylurus
IUCN Red List status: Least Concern
Population trend: stable
Biome: wetland
Habitat: Clean, rapid, sandy- or gravel-bottomed woodland streams and rivers.
Diet: Carnivorous. Nymphs eat aquatic invertebrates; adults hunt flying insects like mosquitoes, flies, and moths in mid-air.
Range: Northeastern United States, Southeastern Canada, Appalachian Mountains, Great Lakes Region
Size: Wingspan of 60-70 mm; body length of 55-65 mm
Lifespan: 1 to 3 years (mostly as aquatic larvae; adults live only 3 to 6 weeks)
Active: diurnal
Threats: Water pollution, siltation of riverbeds from runoff, damming of wild rivers, and shoreline deforestation.
Safe to approach?: Harmless. These dragonflies are completely safe to observe. They do not sting and only bite if handled very roughly. Maintain a respectful distance to avoid disrupting their hunting or egg-laying. If one lands on you, remain still and enjoy the encounter.

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Photo: Jimmy Dee, CC-BY-SA, via iNaturalist