Spine-crowned Clubtail (Gomphus abbreviatus)

The Spine-crowned Clubtail (Gomphus abbreviatus) is an early emerging clubtail along the central and western James River in Virginia.  They along with the St. Croix Snaketail  (Ophiogomphus susbehcha) are the first two species present and while the Ophiogomphus fairly quickly departs the immediate area of the river this species of Gomphus can be found fairly routinely along the river for 2-4 weeks thereafter.

Images of Male:

Spine-crowned Clubtail- male

Spine-crowned Clubtail- teneral male

Spine-crowned Clubtail- cerci

Spine-crowned Clubtail- cerci

Images of Female:

Spine-crowned Clubtail- female

Spine-crowned Clubtail- female

Spine-crowned Clubtail- female sub-genital plate

Spine-crowned Clubtail- female sub-genital plate

Spine-crowned Clubtail, female

Spine-crowned Clubtail, female, lateral view

Spine-crowned Clubtail, female

Spine-crowned Clubtail, female, dorsal view