Oklahoma Clubtail

This rare dragonfly species is strictly endemic to the rocky, spring-fed streams of the Ozark region in the south-central United States. You are most likely to encounter them in clean, fast-flowing waters within Oklahoma and neighboring states.

The Oklahoma Clubtail was formally described as a species by entomologists Minter Jackson Westfall in 1975. They identified this distinct insect as a unique species within the diverse clubtail family.

Its rarity is primarily due to its highly specialized habitat requirements, as it relies entirely on pristine, clear, rocky streams for breeding. Any degradation or pollution of these sensitive Ozark waterways directly threatens their survival.

Like other clubtails, it has a distinctly enlarged abdomen, though its exact markings feature the typical yellow and dark brown/black patterns common to its family. Because it is so rare, it is rarely observed by casual nature enthusiasts.