The Gomphidae are a family of dragonflies commonly referred to as clubtails or club-tailed dragonflies. The family contains about 90 genera and 900 species found across North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. The name refers to the club-like widening of the end of the abdomen (abdominal segments 7 through 9). However, this club is usually less pronounced in females and is entirely absent in some species.

Etymology

The name may be derived from Latin ''gomphus'' or ''gond'' meaning "hinge".

Characteristics

Clubtails have small, widely separated compound eyes, a trait they share with the

Petaluridae The petaltails of the family Petaluridae are apparently the most ancient of the extant true dragonflies (infraorder Anisoptera), having fossil members from as early as the Jurassic (over 150 million years ago). Modern petalurids include only 11 ...

and with

damselflies Damselflies are flying insects of the suborder Zygoptera in the order Odonata. They are similar to dragonflies, which constitute the other odonatan suborder, Anisoptera, but are smaller and have slimmer bodies. Most species fold the wings along ...

. The eyes are blue, turquoise, or green. The thorax in most species is pale with dark stripes, and the pattern of the stripes is often diagnostic. They lack the bright metallic colors of many dragonfly groups and are mostly cryptically colored to avoid detection and little difference between the sexes is seen. Adults are usually from in length; there are 6 specific variations that are native to Africa alone, and vary from in length; there are also 97 varieties specific to North America as well, url=http://cfb.unh.edu/StreamKey/html/organisms/OOdonata/SO_Anisoptera/FGomphidae/Gomphidae.html, url=http://addo.adu.org.za/index.php?taxon_id=46000 Clubtails are fast-flying dragonflies with short flight seasons. They spend much time at rest, perching in a suitable position to dart forth to prey on flying insects. They tend to perch on the ground or on leaves with the abdomen sloping up and its tip curling down a little. Larger species may perch with a drooping abdomen or lie flat on a leaf. Another stance adopted by clubtails perching in the open is "obelisking", standing with the abdomen raised vertically, a posture adopted otherwise only by the skimmers. Most clubtails breed in streams, rivers, or lakes. The nymphs are unusual in having a flat mentum, part of the mouthparts, and their antennae have only four segments. They burrow in the sediment at the bottom of the water body, with the nymphs of the

dragonhunter The dragonhunter (''Hagenius brevistylus'') is a clubtail dragonfly of the eastern United States and southeastern Canada. The dragonfly is much larger than any other North American clubtail, at , with black and yellow markings and green eyes. ...

(''Hagenius brevistylus'') living among damp bark and leaf litter at the edge of the water. Some larvae variations actually differ from this typical burrowing. Some will only come out during daytime, which differs from the predominant nighttime emergence. Some larvae also will lay on flat surfaces, whereas most larvae prefer a vertical-type surface.

Gallery

File:IC Gomphidae wing.jpg, Gomphidae wing structure: Note the similar-sized triangles of the front and hind wings and the widely separate eyes. File:Yellow striped hunter mating.jpg, Pair of yellow-striped hunters mating File:Common Clubtail (Ictinogomphus rapax) W IMG 0224.jpg, Common clubtail, ''

Ictinogomphus rapax ''Ictinogomphus rapax'', the common clubtail, is a species of dragonfly in the family Gomphidae. It is found throughout the Indomalayan realm, Indomalayan region. Description and habitat It is a large yellow and black colored dragonfly with b ...

'' File:XN Gomphus vulgatissimus 689.jpg, ''

Gomphus vulgatissimus ''Gomphus vulgatissimus'', the common clubtail, is a medium-sized (wingspan 6 –7 cm.) species of dragonfly in the family Gomphidae. It is found in most of Europe, and is present now in the south of France. Its natural habitats are clean ...

'', showing the "clubbed" abdomen characteristic of the family File:Gomphus vulgatissimus eyes 004b.jpg, The common clubtail ''Gomphus vulgatissimus'' head with widely separated eyes File:Lined Hooktail Paragomphus lineatus Male.jpg, ''

Paragomphus ''Paragomphus'' is a genus of dragonfly in the family Gomphidae The Gomphidae are a family of dragonflies commonly referred to as clubtails or club-tailed dragonflies. The family contains about 90 genera and 900 species found across North an ...

lineatus'', male File:Lined Hooktail Paragomphus lineatus Female.jpg, ''

lineatus'', female

Genera

These genera belong to the family Gomphidae. * '' Acrogomphus'' Laidlaw, 1925 * '' Agriogomphus'' Selys, 1869 * '' Amphigomphus'' Chao, 1954 * ''

Anisogomphus ''Anisogomphus'' is a genus of dragonfly in the family Gomphidae The Gomphidae are a family of dragonflies commonly referred to as clubtails or club-tailed dragonflies. The family contains about 90 genera and 900 species found across North and ...

'' Selys, 1858 * '' Anomalophlebia'' Belle, 1995 * '' Anormogomphus'' Selys, 1854 * ''

Antipodogomphus ''Antipodogomphus'' is a genus of dragonflies in the family Gomphidae, endemic to Australia. The species are small to medium-sized with black with yellow markings. They are commonly known as dragons. Species The genus ''Antipodogomphus'' includ ...

'' Fraser, 1951 * ''

Aphylla ''Aphylla'' is a widespread Neotropical genus of dragonflies of the Gomphidae family. They are commonly known as the greater forceptails because of their forceps Forceps (plural forceps or considered a plural noun without a singular, often a ...

'' Selys, 1854 * '' Archaeogomphus'' Williamson, 1919 * ''

Arigomphus ''Arigomphus'' is a genus of dragonflies of the Gomphidae family. This group is commonly called the pond clubtails. The species are fairly plain and only the males have the club-shaped abdomen The abdomen (colloquially called the belly, tummy ...

'' Needham, 1897 * ''

Armagomphus ''Armagomphus'' is a monotypic genus of dragonflies in the family Gomphidae, endemic to south-western Australia. The single known species is small in size with black and yellow markings. Species The genus contains only one species: *'' Armago ...

'' Carle, 1986 * ''

Asiagomphus ''Asiagomphus'' is a genus of dragonfly in the family Gomphidae The Gomphidae are a family of dragonflies commonly referred to as clubtails or club-tailed dragonflies. The family contains about 90 genera and 900 species found across North and ...

'' Asahina, 1985 * ''

Austrogomphus ''Austrogomphus'' is a genus of dragonflies in the family Gomphidae, endemic to Australia. Species of ''Austrogomphus'' are tiny to medium-sized dragonflies, black in colour with yellowish markings. They are commonly known as hunters. Species ...

'' Selys, 1854 * '' Brasiliogomphus'' Belle, 1995 * ''

Burmagomphus ''Burmagomphus'' is a genus of dragonfly in the family Gomphidae The Gomphidae are a family of dragonflies commonly referred to as clubtails or club-tailed dragonflies. The family contains about 90 genera and 900 species found across North and ...

'' Williamson, 1907 * '' Cacoides'' Cowley, 1934 * ''

Ceratogomphus ''Ceratogomphus'', commonly known as thorntails, is a small genus of dragonfly A dragonfly is a flying insect belonging to the infraorder Anisoptera below the order Odonata. About 3,000 extant species of true dragonfly are known. Most are ...

'' Selys, 1854 * ''

Cinitogomphus ''Ictinogomphus'' is a genus of dragonfly, dragonflies in either the family Gomphidae or Lindeniidae. They are medium to large, yellow and black with clear wings. Species occur in Africa, Asia and Australia. Species The genus ''Ictinogomphus ...

'' Pinhey, 1964 * '' Cornigomphus'' Martin, 1907 * '' Crenigomphus'' Selys, 1892 * '' Cyanogomphus'' Selys, 1873 * ''

Cyclogomphus ''Cyclogomphus'' is a genus of dragonfly in the family Gomphidae The Gomphidae are a family of dragonflies commonly referred to as clubtails or club-tailed dragonflies. The family contains about 90 genera and 900 species found across North an ...

'' Selys, 1854 * '' Davidioides'' Fraser, 1924 * '' Davidius'' Selys, 1878 * '' Desmogomphus'' Williamson, 1920 * '' Diaphlebia'' Selys, 1854 * ''

Diastatomma ''Diastatomma'' is a genus of dragonfly in the family Gomphidae. It contains the following species: *''Diastatomma bicolor'' *'' Diastatomma gamblesi'' *''Diastatomma multilineata'' *''Diastatomma ruwenzorica'' *''Diastatomma selysi'' *'' ...

'' Burmeister, 1839 * '' Dromogomphus'' Selys, 1854 * '' Dubitogomphus'' Fraser, 1940 * '' Ebegomphus'' Needham, 1944 * '' Eogomphus'' Needham, 1941 * ''

Epigomphus ''Epigomphus'' is a genus of dragonfly, dragonflies in the family Gomphidae. They are commonly known as Knobtails. The genus contains the following species: *''Epigomphus armatus'' *''Epigomphus camelus'' – Humped Knobtail *''Epigomphus cl ...

'' Hagen in Selys, 1854 * ''

Erpetogomphus ''Erpetogomphus'' is a genus of dragonfly in the family Gomphidae. They are commonly known as ringtails. Most of the species are predominantly green coloured and the males have a moderately clubbed tail. A fossil species are known from the Miocen ...

'' Selys, 1858 * '' Euthygomphus'' Kosterin, 2016 * '' Fukienogomphus'' Chao, 1954 * '' Gastrogomphus'' Needham, 1941 * ''

Gomphidia ''Gomphidia'' is a genus of dragonfly in the family Gomphidae. It contains the following species: *'' Gomphidia abbotti'' *'' Gomphidia aberrans'' *'' Gomphidia balii'' *'' Gomphidia bredoi'' *'' Gomphidia caesarea'' *'' Gomphidia conflu ...

'' Selys, 1854 * '' Gomphidictinus'' Fraser, 1942 * '' Gomphoides'' Selys, 1854 * ''

Gomphurus ''Gomphurus'' is a genus of clubtails in the family of dragonflies known as Gomphidae. There are about 13 described species in ''Gomphurus''. ''Gomphurus'' was formerly considered a subgenus of ''Gomphus (dragonfly), Gomphus'', but has recently ...

'' Needham, 1901 * '' Gomphus'' Leach in Brewester, 1815 * ''

Hagenius The dragonhunter (''Hagenius brevistylus'') is a clubtail dragonfly of the eastern United States and southeastern Canada. The dragonfly is much larger than any other North American clubtail, at , with black and yellow markings and green eyes ...

'' Selys, 1854 * ''

Heliogomphus ''Heliogomphus'' is a genus of dragonfly, dragonflies in the family Gomphidae. The genus contains the following species: *''Heliogomphus bakeri'' *''Heliogomphus blandulus'' *''Heliogomphus borneensis'' *''Heliogomphus cervus'' *''Heliogomp ...

'' Laidlaw, 1922 * ''

Hemigomphus ''Hemigomphus'' is a genus of dragonfly, dragonflies in the family Gomphidae, endemic to Australia. The species are small with black and yellow markings. They are commonly known as vicetails. Species The genus ''Hemigomphus'' includes the follo ...

'' Selys, 1854 * '' Hylogomphus'' Needham, Westfall & May, 2000 * ''

Ictinogomphus ''Ictinogomphus'' is a genus of dragonflies in either the family Gomphidae or Lindeniidae. They are medium to large, yellow and black with clear wings. Species occur in Africa, Asia and Australia. Species The genus ''Ictinogomphus'' include ...

'' Cowley, 1934 * '' Idiogomphoides'' Belle, 1984 * '' Isomma'' Selys, 1892 * '' Labrogomphus'' Needham, 1931 * '' Lamelligomphus'' Fraser, 1922 * ''

Lanthus ''Lanthus'' is a genus of Gomphidae, club-tailed dragonflies found in North America, commonly called pygmy clubtails. They are found in Japan and North America. The species are clear winged with black bodies and yellow markings. This genus inclu ...

'' Needham, 1897 * ''

Leptogomphus ''Leptogomphus'' is a genus of dragonfly A dragonfly is a flying insect belonging to the infraorder Anisoptera below the order Odonata. About 3,000 extant species of true dragonfly are known. Most are tropical, with fewer species in temper ...

'' Selys, 1878 * ''

Lestinogomphus ''Lestinogomphus'' is a genus of dragonfly A dragonfly is a flying insect belonging to the infraorder Anisoptera below the order Odonata. About 3,000 extant species of true dragonfly are known. Most are tropical, with fewer species in temp ...

'' Martin, 1911 * '' Lindenia'' de Haan, 1826 * ''

Macrogomphus ''Macrogomphus'' is a genus of dragonfly A dragonfly is a flying insect belonging to the infraorder Anisoptera below the order Odonata. About 3,000 extant species of true dragonfly are known. Most are tropical, with fewer species in tempe ...

'' Selys, 1858 * '' Malgassogomphus'' Cammaerts, 1987 * '' Mastigogomphus'' Cammaerts, 2004 * '' Megalogomphus'' Campion, 1923 * '' Melanocacus'' Belle, 1986 * '' Melligomphus'' Chao, 1990 * '' Merogomphus'' Martin, 1904 * ''

Microgomphus ''Microgomphus'' is a genus of dragonfly in the family Gomphidae. It contains the following species: * ''Microgomphus camerunensis'' Longfield, 1951 * ''Microgomphus chelifer'' Selys, 1858 * ''Microgomphus corbeti'' Pinhey, 1951 * ''Microgomphus ...

'' Selys, 1858 * '' Mitragomphus'' Needham, 1944 * '' Neogomphus'' Selys, 1858 * '' Nepogomphoides'' Fraser, 1934 * '' Nepogomphus'' Fraser, 1934 * '' Neurogomphus'' Karsch, 1890 * '' Nihonogomphus'' Oguma, 1926 * ''

Notogomphus ''Notogomphus'' is a genus of dragonfly, dragonflies in the family Gomphidae. It contains the following species: *''Notogomphus anaci'' *''Notogomphus butoloensis'' *''Notogomphus cottarellii'' *''Notogomphus dendrohyrax'' *''Notogomphus dorsali ...

'' Selys, 1858 * '' Nychogomphus'' Carle, 1986 * ''

Octogomphus ''Octogomphus'', the grappletail, is a genus of club-tailed dragonflies found in North America, containing the single species ''Octogomphus specularis''. The Grappletail, not seen in British Columbia for 40 years, was re-discovered by citizen s ...

'' Selys, 1873 * ''

Odontogomphus ''Odontogomphus'' is a genus Genus ( plural genera ) is a taxonomic rank used in the biological classification of extant taxon, living and fossil organisms as well as Virus classification#ICTV classification, viruses. In the hierarchy of biol ...

'' Watson, 1991 * ''

Onychogomphus ''Onychogomphus'' is a genus of dragonfly, dragonflies in the family Gomphidae. They are commonly known as pincertails. Species The genus contains the following species: References External links * * *Richard Gabb �Onychogomphus assimilis� ...

'' Selys, 1854 * ''

Ophiogomphus ''Ophiogomphus'', commonly known as snaketails, is a genus of dragonflies in the family Gomphidae. Most of the species in the genus ''Ophiogomphus'' have beautifully marked green club-shaped abdomens, which are more noticeable in the males. T ...

'' Selys, 1854 * '' Orientogomphus'' Chao & Xu, 1987 * ''

'' Cowley, 1934 * '' Perigomphus'' Belle, 1972 * '' Perissogomphus'' Laidlaw, 1922 * '' Peruviogomphus'' Klots, 1944 * '' Phaenandrogomphus'' Lieftinck, 1964 * ''

Phanogomphus file:Day 116 - Oklahoma Clubtail - Gomphus oklahomensis?, Lake Houston Wilderness Park, New Caney, Texas - 17285264812.jpg, ''Phanogomphus oklahomensis'' ''Phanogomphus'' is a genus of clubtails in the family Gomphidae found in North America. Ther ...

'' Carle, 1986 * ''

Phyllocycla ''Phyllocycla'' is a genus of clubtails in the family Gomphidae, commonly known as the lesser forceptails. There are at least 30 described species in ''Phyllocycla''. See also * List of Phyllocycla species References Gomphidae Anisopte ...

'' Calvert, 1948 * ''

Phyllogomphoides ''Phyllogomphoides'' is a genus of dragonfly, dragonflies in the Family (biology), family Gomphidae. They are commonly known as leaftails. It contains the following species: References

Phyllogomphoides, Gomphidae Anisoptera genera { ...

'' Belle, 1970 * ''

Phyllogomphus ''Phyllogomphus'' is a genus of dragonfly, dragonflies in the Family (biology), family Gomphidae. It contains the following species: *''Phyllogomphus aethiops'' *''Phyllogomphus annulus'' *''Phyllogomphus bartolozzii'' *''Phyllogomphus colorat ...

'' Selys, 1854 * '' Platygomphus'' Selys, 1854 * '' Praeviogomphus'' Belle, 1995 * ''

Progomphus ''Progomphus'' is a genus of medium-sized dragonfly, dragonflies in the Family (biology), family Gomphidae. They are found in the Americas and are largely tropical. They are one of the few Gomphids with coloured wings. They are common name, com ...

'' Selys, 1854 * '' Scalmogomphus'' Chao, 1990 * '' Shaogomphus'' Chao, 1984 * ''

Sieboldius ''Sieboldius'' is a genus of dragonflies in the family Gomphidae. The genus occurs in Asia Asia (, ) is one of the world's most notable geographical regions, which is either considered a continent in its own right or a subcontinent o ...

'' Selys, 1854 * '' Sinictinogomphus'' Fraser, 1939 * '' Sinogomphus'' May, 1935 * ''

Stenogomphurus ''Stenogomphurus'' is a genus of clubtails in the family of dragonflies known as Gomphidae. There are at least two described species in ''Stenogomphurus'', both found in North America. ''Stenogomphurus'' was formerly considered a subgenus of '' ...

'' Carle, 1986 * '' Stylogomphus'' Fraser, 1922 * ''

Stylurus ''Stylurus'' is a genus of dragonfly, dragonflies in the family Gomphidae. They are commonly known as hanging clubtails from their habit of hanging nearly vertically when they perch. The genus contains the following species: *''Stylurus amicus'' ...

'' Needham, 1897 * '' Tibiagomphus'' Belle, 1992 * ''

Tragogomphus ''Tragogomphus'' is a genus of dragonflies in the family Gomphidae. The genus contains the following species: *''Tragogomphus aurivillii'' *''Tragogomphus christinae'' *''Tragogomphus ellioti'' *''Tragogomphus mamfei'' *''Tragogomphus tenac ...

'' Sjöstedt, 1899 * '' Trigomphus'' Bartenev, 1911 * '' Zonophora'' Selys, 1854

Fossil genera

* †'' Auroradraco'' Archibald and Cannings 2019

Kamloops Group Kamloops ( ) is a city in south-central British Columbia, Canada, at the confluence of the South flowing North Thompson River and the West flowing Thompson River, east of Kamloops Lake. It is located in the Thompson-Nicola Regional District, w ...

, Canada, Ypresian * †'' Gunterbechya'' Huang et al 2019 Burmese amber,

Cenomanian The Cenomanian is, in the ICS' geological timescale, the oldest or earliest age of the Late Cretaceous Epoch or the lowest stage of the Upper Cretaceous Series. An age is a unit of geochronology; it is a unit of time; the stage is a unit in the s ...

* †''

Nannogomphus ''Nannogomphus'' is an extinct genus of fossil odonates belonging to the family Gomphidae.A. G. PonomarenkoFossil insects from the Tithonian «Solnhofener Plattenkalke» in the Museum of Natural History, Vienna/ref> These fast-moving volant ca ...

'' Handlirsch 1906

References

External links

Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)Gomphidae, CLUBTAILS
Discover Life {{Taxonbar, from=Q505181 Aeshnoidea Odonata families Taxa named by Jules Pierre Rambur