Unicorn Clubtail (female terminal appendages)

Two field marks can be used to identify female Unicorn Clubtail dragonflies (Arigomphus villosipes), as shown in the following annotated image: 1) they have two terminal appendages (cerci) rather than three (males); and 2) their hind wings are rounded rather than “indented” (males).

Image used with permission from Bob Blakney.

Editor’s Notes

In my experience, female Unicorn Clubtail dragonflies are seen uncommonly. Sincere thanks to Bob Blakney for kindly granting permission to use his excellent photograph of this uncommon beauty for instructional purposes.

Bob’s photo was taken on 18 May 2012 at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge using a Canon EOS Rebel T2i digital camera and Tamron AF 18-270mm macro lens.

Tags: Arigomphus villosipes, cerci, Family Gomphidae (Clubtails), female, Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, terminal appendages, Unicorn Clubtail dragonfly

This entry was posted on September 22, 2018 at 4:00 am and is filed under digital photography, dragonflies, education, How To, natural science, Photoshop, wildlife photography. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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