A Russet-tipped Clubtail dragonfly (Stylurus plagiatus) exuvia was collected by Joe Johnston on 17 July 2019 along Aquia Creek in Stafford County, Virginia USA.
17 JUL 2019 | Aquia Creek | Stylurus plagiatus | exuvia (face-head)
Notice the specimen has a flat labium that doesn’t cover the face (not mask-like), as shown in the preceding photo. This field mark indicates the exuvia is from either Family Aeshnidae (Darners) or Family Gomphidae (Clubtails). Other field marks, including club-like antennae and the shape of the body, indicate this individual is a species of clubtail.
My next blog post will feature a dorsal-lateral view of the exuvia that clearly shows the field marks that indicate both genus and species.
Related Resources
- MYN – Stylurus plagiatus exuvia (composite) [dorsal-lateral view]
- MYN – S. plagiatus exuvia (ventral composite)
- Stylurus plagiatus exuvia (a step-by-step identification guide featuring annotated images)
- Odonate exuviae collecting sites (a blog post featuring video and still photos by Joseph Johnston that provide a guided tour of some places along Aquia Creek where Joe collects odonate exuviae, including the one featured in this blog post)
Tech Tips
This specimen was photographed against a pure white background (255, 255, 255) using the “Meet Your Neighbours” (MYN) technique. I used the new variation on my old MYN studio rig and I’m still satisfied with the results.
Copyright © 2020 Walter Sanford. All rights reserved.
Tags: Aquia Creek, BoG Photo Studio, exuvia, Family Gomphidae (Clubtails), Meet Your Neighbours, Russet-tipped Clubtail dragonfly, Stafford County, studio photography, Stylurus plagiatus, Virginia
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