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Gomphurus externus

Gomphus externus

A species of Gomphus

Gomphurus externus, the plains clubtail, is a species of dragonfly in the family Gomphidae.

General Info About Gomphurus externus
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Attributes of Gomphurus externus
Colors
Brown
Yellow
Habitat
Plians clubtail nymphs can be very selective in their habitat choice and will often occur only in certain stretches of a particular river or stream. They will burrow into the sand or mud, leaving the upturned tip of their abdomen exposed. This helps them to breathe while buried by pumping water in and out of the tip of the abdomen. Unlike most species this dragonfly nymphs emerge as adults during the day. Adults generally fly from mid-July to mid-August. They also have other flight periods. These dragonflies can not tolerate cooler temperatures and are rarely seen flying on cool or cloudy days. Hunting occurs from rocks or bare sand from which they rest on. They perch with their abdomen elevated and their wings drooping so the tips just touch the ground.
Adult Food Sources
Flying insects, mosquitoes, flies, moths, mayflies
Larva Food Source
Small aquatic invertebrates, tadpoles, larval fish, aquatic insect larvae, worms
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Chewing mouthparts
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Species Status of Gomphurus externus
Widespread and abundant
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Predators of Gomphurus externus Larvae
Aquatic insects (e.g., beetles, true bugs), fish, amphibians (e.g., frogs, salamanders), reptiles (e.g., turtles)
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Predators of Adult Gomphurus externus
Birds (e.g., swallows, flycatchers), spiders, other larger dragonflies, insects (e.g., wasps, hornets)
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Interesting Facts About Gomphurus externus
Gomphurus externus's larvae show the unique ability to retract their head into their thorax when threatened, serving as a defensive mechanism against predators.
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Scientific Classification of Gomphurus externus
Class
Bugs
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Order
Odes
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Family
Clubtails
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Genus
Gomphus
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Tips for Finding Gomphurus externus
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Youth Habitat of Gomphurus externus
Freshwater Habitats
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Habitat Preferences of Gomphurus externus Through Different Life Stages
The naiads of gomphurus externus are aquatic, residing in rivers and streams with sandy or muddy bottoms where the water flow is moderate, often burrowing and camouflaging among the substrate. Searching for the naiads would involve careful sifting through riverbed materials. Adult gomphurus externus, on the other hand, are typically found near the same bodies of water but are more mobile, with a propensity to perch on rocks, plants, or the ground in sunny areas. To locate adults, one would look along the banks of rivers and streams, particularly in areas where they can bask in the sunlight.
Are Gomphurus externus harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Gomphurus externus
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Predators of Pests
Predators of Pests
Stage
Adults, Naiads
Diets
Mosquitoes, Flies, Beetles, Butterflies, Moths
Gomphurus externus is an adept hunter, both in its naiad stage within aquatic environments and as a flying adult. Naiads employ a unique labium to snatch unsuspecting prey, while adults exhibit incredible aerial agility to capture and consume a variety of flying insects, fueled by insatiable appetites that maintain the balance in their ecosystems.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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