Male and female Sable Clubtail dragonflies (Stenogomphurus rogersi) were spotted recently in Fairfax County, Virginia USA.
Male
Male dragonflies have three terminal appendages, collectively called “claspers,” that are used to grab and hold female dragonflies during mating: an upper pair of cerci (“superior appendages”); and a lower unpaired epiproct (“inferior appendage”). The epiproct for Sable Clubtail is essentially a wide plate with two prongs.
08 JUN 2018 | Fairfax County, VA | Sable Clubtail (male)
08 JUN 2018 | Fairfax County, VA | Sable Clubtail (male)
The hind wings of male clubtail dragonflies are “indented” near the body, as shown in the preceding photograph. In contrast, the hind wings of female clubtails are rounded (shown below).
Female
Female dragonflies have a pair of cerci (superior appendages) that have little or no function. The abdomen of female Sable Clubtails is noticeably thicker than males of the same species.
05 JUL 2018 | Fairfax County, VA | Sable Clubtail (female)
Copyright © 2018 Walter Sanford. All rights reserved.
Tags: cerci, claspers, epiproct, Family Gomphidae (Clubtails), female, male, Sable Clubtail dragonfly, Stenogomphurus rogersi, terminal appendages
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