A Sable Clubtail dragonfly (Stenogomphurus rogersi) was spotted by Michael Powell during a photowalk at a location in Fairfax County, Virginia USA. This individual is a male, as indicated by his “indented” hind wings, and terminal appendages.
Look at the blade of grass on which the Sable is perched. Notice the “leftovers” from an afternoon snack eaten by the dragonfly before the photo was taken.
13 JUN 2020 | Fairfax County, VA | Sable Clubtail (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.
13 JUN 2020 | Fairfax County, VA | Sable Clubtail (male)
The spiky green grass shown below is probably shallow sedge (Carex lurida) according to Drew Chaney, a.k.a., “Plant Man Drew.”
13 JUN 2020 | Fairfax County, VA | Sable Clubtail (male)
Field Observations
All of the photos in the preceding gallery show male No. 2 perched on vegetation overhanging a small stream, enabling him to both hunt/feed and wait for an opportunity to mate with a female.
Natural History: Males perch on sunlit vegetation overhanging stream or on flat rocks in shade at head of riffle, fly up into trees when disturbed. Source Credit: Paulson, Dennis (2011-12-19). Dragonflies and Damselflies of the East (Princeton Field Guides) (Kindle Locations 6102-6103). Princeton University Press. Kindle Edition.
In my experience, Sable Clubtails — both male and female — also perch on ground cover vegetation in sunny clearings near small streams. For example, see my recent blog post featuring male No. 1.
Sable does in fact fly up into trees when their “flight” response is triggered by overzealous photographers; they have been observed perched in trees as high as 20 feet above the ground. Be patient — usually they return to the ground soon afterward.
Related Resources
- Sable Clubtail dragonfly (male, No. 1)
- Off-season homework pays dividends
- Field marks for identification of S. rogersi
- Stenogomphurus rogersi exuvia
Copyright © 2020 Walter Sanford. All rights reserved.
Tags: exuvia, Family Gomphidae (Clubtails), male, Sable Clubtail dragonfly, Stenogomphurus rogersi, terminal appendages
walter sanford's photoblog 
July 10, 2020 at 5:49 am |
I particularly love your last image, Walter–the details of the Sable Clubtail are spectacular when I double-clicked on it. Wow.
July 10, 2020 at 9:40 am |
That’s one of the photos I shot when you pulled a clump of grass out the way so I could get a clear view of the dragonfly. Credit Mike Powell with an assist!
July 10, 2020 at 9:41 am |
Thanks, Walter. I recall being amazed that the Sable Clubtail stayed in place when I was moving the grass.
July 11, 2020 at 4:20 am |
I managed to capture a few dragonflies. I posted them.
July 11, 2020 at 9:34 am |
Where did you post your photos, Sherry?
July 11, 2020 at 10:05 am |
Port4u.net
July 11, 2020 at 6:51 pm |
Well done, Sherry!
July 12, 2020 at 1:10 am
Thanks 🙂
July 12, 2020 at 9:32 pm |
Great information, Walter!
I am guilty of that “overzealous” behavior but I’m trying to curb my enthusiasm.
Wonderful photographs.