Clubtails
Distribution Worldwide
- Almost 90 genera and 1000 species are known, making it the second largest anisopteran family. Largest is Libellulidae
Distribution in Africa and surrounding Islands
- About a sixth of this diversity is Afrotropical
- 11 genera, 17 species in South Africa
General identification features
- Coloured in combinations of green, brown, yellow, and black
- All species have very distinctive markings on lateral and dorsal thorax.
- Only Dragonfly (anisopterans) with eyes widely separated by a ridge-like occiput, rather than in contact.
- Most species have enlarged foliations on terminal abdominal segments.
- Ax veins asymmetrical, not meeting on subcostal vein.
- Discoidal cell (forewing) and DC (hindwing)
Habitat and behaviour:
- Most species inhabit rivers and streams, where adults can be elusive and furtive, while larvae are easier to find.
- Generally quite specific habitat preferences and in the sites they perch for hunting and/or courting
- Perches mostly on rocks, tops of branches (sometimes high but open in trees) or grass stems in open or forest areas
Synopsis
- Images ordered in alphabetical by scientific names
- Only males are shown except for Zambezi Siphontail, Neurogomphus zambeziensi .Too view images of female please follow the ling provided by clicking on the image to the description page
- To view females follow the menu links to the species description page
- Click on images links to the species detail page
Identification guide
Click HERE for an identification guide for Clubtails based on images of the thorax
Images of southern African Clubtails
Yellowjack
Great Hooktail
