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Western club-tail

Western club-tail

Gomphus pulchellus

A species of Gomphus, Also known as River clubtail, Western clubtail yellow-legged clubtail

The species is 4.5 - 5 cm long. It is the only Gomphidae that lacks the "club-shaped" abdomen, in spite of its name. As an adult, it is mainly pale olive-green with blue eyes.

General Info About Western club-tail
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Attributes of Western club-tail
Colors
Black
Green
Habitat
pond; canal; clay; hole; lake; reservoir; gravel pit
Adult Food Sources
Flying insects, mosquitoes, flies, moths, butterflies
Larva Food Source
Small aquatic insects, larvae of other invertebrates, small fish, tadpoles, other aquatic organisms
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
The Western club-tail typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
Biting animal or pet
Yes
Mouthparts Type
Chewing mouthparts
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Life Cycle of Western club-tail
Egg The egg of western club-tail is usually laid in water. It is oval and tiny, and the insect at this stage is developing inside, preparing to hatch as a nymph.
Naiad The naiad stage of western club-tail occurs in water and features an aquatic predator. The naiad grows in size and molts several times, becoming larger and developing external wing pads.
Adult When maturity is reached, the adult western club-tail emerges from the naiad case, usually near the water's edge. The adult exhibits elongated bodies, transparent wings, and vibrant colors, and it is fully terrestrial.
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Adult Size of Western club-tail
4.5 - 5 cm
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Predators of Western club-tail Larvae
Fish, tadpoles, water beetles, backswimmers, diving beetles, bird species, other predatory aquatic insects
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Predators of Adult Western club-tail
Birds, frogs, spiders, wasps, mantis, dragonflies (larger species), bats
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Interesting Facts About Western club-tail
The larvae of western club-tail show remarkable burrowing behavior, using specially adapted hooks to anchor themselves in riverbeds while they ambush prey.
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Scientific Classification of Western club-tail
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 Western club-tail
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How Can You Attract Western club-tail
Trapping western club-tail is not a common practice as it is generally enjoyed in its natural habitat and catching or disturbing them could harm their population.
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Habitat Preferences of Western club-tail Through Different Life Stages
The naiads of western club-tail are found in slow-flowing rivers and streams, often burying themselves in sandy or silty bottoms. Searching for them involves gently sifting through the substrate along the margins of such water bodies. Adult western club-tail are typically found in proximity to these habitats, but they are strong fliers and may be seen in meadows or gardens when foraging. To find adults, look for them resting on vegetation or patrolling over water on sunny days. Eggs of western club-tail are laid on or near water, so observing females dipping their abdomens into water at riverbanks can lead you to egg locations.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Western club-tail
The best time to find western club-tail is during the warmer months, typically from late spring through summer, when the naiad development is complete, and the adults are actively flying and breeding.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Western club-tail
Warm, sunny weather without strong winds is the most suitable condition to find western club-tail, as these creatures are most active in such conditions.
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How and Where Can You Find Western club-tail at Different Life Stages
Egg Western club-tail eggs are laid on or near aquatic vegetation in freshwater bodies. To find them, closely inspect the stems and leaves of aquatic plants in a clean, slow-moving water environment.
Naiad Naiads of western club-tail are aquatic and are found in the sediment or clinging to underwater plants in rivers or streams. Look for them by gently stirring the substrates or examining aquatic vegetation and rocks.
Young western club-tail, or tenerals, are often not far from the water where they emerged and can be found resting on vegetation to harden their exoskeletons. Search for them near their emergence sites in the morning.
Adult As western club-tail prepares for emergence, they move to the water's edge. Look for them on riparian vegetation, rocks, or other objects near the water during early morning.
Adult western club-tail are best found by visiting water bodies such as streams, rivers, or lakes during warm, sunny days when they are most active, flying, and mating. Look for them patrolling territories or perched on riverside vegetation.
Are Western club-tail harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Western club-tail
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Predators of Pests
Predators of Pests
Stage
Adults, Naiads
Diets
Aquatic Insects
Western club-tail is an impressive predator both as an adult and as a naiad. In its naiad stage, it remains submerged, lying in wait to ambush unsuspecting aquatic insects. As an adult, western club-tail takes to the air, where it adeptly captures prey mid-flight using its acute vision and fast, agile flight patterns. The act of preying is essential for its sustenance, ensuring its survival and continuation of the species.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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