description Elusive Clubtail Overview
The Elusive Clubtail (Stylurus notatus) is a species of dragonfly belonging to the family Gomphidae, native to eastern North America. The insect is strongly associated with large rivers and streams, where its aquatic larvae develop in the substrate. As its common name suggests, the adult dragonfly is notoriously difficult to observe because it spends much of its time resting and foraging high in the canopy of nearby trees. Habitat degradation and water pollution have contributed to its rarity across its native range.
help Elusive Clubtail FAQ
Where can I find the Elusive Clubtail dragonfly in the wild?
The Elusive Clubtail (*Stylurus notatus*) is native to eastern North America. You can typically find them near large rivers and streams where their aquatic larvae develop in the river substrate.
What family does the Elusive Clubtail belong to?
This specific dragonfly belongs to the Gomphidae family, which are commonly known as clubtail dragonflies. They get this name from the enlarged abdominal segments near the end of their tails.
What does the Elusive Clubtail eat?
Like other dragonflies, adult Elusive Clubtails are predatory and feed on various small insects they catch in flight. Their aquatic larvae are also predatory, hunting for small invertebrates within the river substrate.
Why is the Stylurus notatus called the 'Elusive' Clubtail?
The common name references both its physical taxonomy as a clubtail and its difficult-to-spot nature in the wild. They spend a significant amount of time resting high in the tree canopy near their river habitats, making them hard for researchers to observe.
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