Male and female Cobra Clubtail dragonflies (Gomphurus vastus) are nearly identical in appearance except for their terminal appendages: females have two terminal appendages (cerci); males have three (claspers). Also notice the subtle difference in the shape of their hind wings: female hind wings are rounded; male hind wings are “indented.”
Several female Cobra Clubtails were photographed during the annual mass emergence along the Potomac River at Riverbend Park, Fairfax County, Virginia USA.
09 MAY 2017 | Riverbend Park | Cobra Clubtail (female)
The first female, shown above, has a malformed wing.
09 MAY 2017 | Riverbend Park | Cobra Clubtail (female)
Notice part of an insect leg on the wooden beam, underneath the female’s abdomen. Is it a leftover from a late-morning snack?
09 MAY 2017 | Riverbend Park | Cobra Clubtail (female)
09 MAY 2017 | Riverbend Park | Cobra Clubtail (female)
09 MAY 2017 | Riverbend Park | Cobra Clubtail (female)
Copyright © 2017 Walter Sanford. All rights reserved.
Tags: cerci, Cobra Clubtail dragonfly, Family Gomphidae (Clubtails), female, Gomphurus vastus, malformed, Potomac River, Riverbend Park, terminal appendages
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