Odonate nymphs (larvae) can be classified broadly into three (3) groups: Burrowers; Climbers/Clingers; and Sprawlers. Source Credit: “Conservation of Illinois: Dragonflies” Webinar (1:17:19) by Marla Garrison, McHenry County College.
Some species of nymphs (larvae) in Family Gomphidae (Clubtails) are burrowers that have an anatomy adapted for burrowing into sandy substrates quickly, including a torpedo-shaped body and thick legs with burrowing hooks.
Pop Quiz: Using the preceding annotated image as a guide, can you find the burrowing hooks on the front- and middle legs of the following specimen?
Sable Clubtail (Stenogomphurus rogersi) | exuvia (head-dorsal)
Related Resources
The following videos from the Dragonfly Society of the Americas show two species of clubtails burrowing into sand. Thanks to Marla and Carlos Garrison for sharing these videos via YouTube. Both videos are hyperlinked from “The Search Begins” by Marla Garrison and Ken Tennessen (Argia, Volume 33, Issue 3).
Common Sanddragon (Progomphus obscurus)
Riverene Clubtail (Stylurus amnicola)
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Tags: burrowing hooks, Cobra Clubtail dragonfly, Family Gomphidae (Clubtails), Gomphurus vastus, Sable Clubtail dragonfly, Stenogomphurus rogersi
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