SCIENTIFIC NAME: GOMPHUS VULGATISSIMIUS
VERNACULAR NAME: CLUB TAILED DRAGONFLY

Fig 1
ADULT Wingspan - 65mm. A stunning creature with a total length up to 50mm this is a much sought after species and well worth the effort. Tenerals are basically yellow and black whereas mature male specimens are a combination of a gentle pale green and black except for the flanks of abdominal segments 8 and 9 which remain bright yellow. Females generally have heavier clubbed tails. Both sexes have eyes which do not meet in the centre
LARVA The larvae have short bulbous antennae with the shape of the exuvial case diagnostic due to the way the forming antennae form a triangular shape at the front of the head.
BEHAVIOUR A strong flying insect that is no sooner seen that lost in flight. Has a prefernce for resting on flat leaves but when scared can take off and head high up into the foliage of trees. Synchronised emergence of adults is done over a very short period of time and a major dispersal is had a few days after.
HABITAT Prefers slow flowing rivers with plenty of bankside vegetation. Can be seen in nearby fields resting on low growing plants.
FLIGHT PERIOD May - July.
STATUS Locally frequent and only found in southern Britain.

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