description Pacific Spiketail Overview
The Pacific spiketail, Cordulegaster dorsalis, is a large dragonfly in the family Cordulegastridae found in western North America. Adults have a dark body marked with conspicuous yellow stripes and spots, while females possess the projecting ovipositor characteristic of spiketails. It is associated with cool, clear streams, springs, and seepages, where males patrol along the water and aquatic larvae live partly buried in the substrate while hunting small prey.
help Pacific Spiketail FAQ
Where is the best place to find the Pacific Spiketail dragonfly?
The Pacific spiketail (Cordulegaster dorsalis) is native to western North America, commonly found near small, clear, woodland streams from the Pacific Northwest down through California. They are most active during the summer months, often seen patrolling low over slow-moving water.
How did the Pacific Spiketail get its name?
This dragonfly belongs to the Cordulegastridae family, which is characterized by the female's long, projecting ovipositor used to lay eggs. The "spiketail" moniker refers directly to this spike-like appendage at the end of the abdomen, which the female uses to stab her eggs into muddy stream banks.
What does the Pacific Spiketail dragonfly look like?
Cordulegaster dorsalis is a large, striking dragonfly characterized by a predominantly black body with vivid yellow stripes and spots on its thorax and abdomen. Their large size and distinct tiger-like yellow banding make them relatively easy to identify when resting on vegetation near forests.
What do Pacific Spiketail larvae eat?
Like other dragonfly nymphs, the aquatic larvae of the Pacific Spiketail are aggressive ambush predators living in the mud of stream beds. They primarily feed on aquatic insects, mosquito larvae, and small tadpoles, using an extendable lower jaw to capture passing prey.
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