- Clubtails
- Gomphidae Family
- Horned Clubtail
- Arigomphus cornutus
- Jade Clubtail
- Arigomphus submedianus
- Flag-tailed Spinyleg
- Dromogomphus spoliatus
- Eastern Ringtail
- Erpetogomphus designatus
- Plains Clubtail
- Gomphurus externus
- Cobra Clubtail
- Gomphurus vastus
- Pale Snaketail
- Ophiogomphus severus
- Pronghorn Clubtail
- Phanogomphus graslinellus
- Sulphur-tipped Clubtail
- Phanogomphus militaris
- Common Sanddragon
- Progomphus obscurus
- Riverine Clubtail
- Stylurus amnicola
- Brimstone Clubtail
- Stylurus intricatus
- Elusive Clubtail
- Stylurus notatus
- Russet-tipped Clubtail
- Stylurus plagiatus
The Plains Clubtail is widespread across Nebraska, but not common. This species is black with extensive yellow or greenish markings. It has a large abdominal club. All the abdominal segments are marked with yellow on top. Segment 9 has the widest yellow spot: a large square or oval on the top. It is often found resting on rocks along streams. The female is similar to the male.
It is similar in appearance to the Pronghorn Clubtail, which is smaller and has a differently shaped clasper. It is also similar in appearance to the Sulphur-tipped Clubtail, which is also smaller and has more yellow on the club.
Uncommon. There are scattered records west (to Utah) and north (to Canada) of Nebraska, but the state is essentially the western and northern edge of this Midwestern species’ range. In Nebraska there are numerous records to the Panhandle but only one Panhandle record. Externus is usually found as a single individual near or on the edge of a flowing stream or small river.
Plains Clubtail
Photo courtesy of Loren and Babs Padelford.
Green indicates accepted county record (specimen or photograph).
Yellow indicates sight record only.
Size: 52-59 mm (2.0-2.3 in)
Habitat: rivers with moderate current and muddy bottoms
Great Plains Range: TX, OK, KS, NE, SD, ND, NM, CO, WY, MT, MO, IA, MN
Flight season: late May to late July