Gomphus quadricolor Walsh, 1863
Rapids Clubtail
NatureServe Global Rank: G3G4
Virginia State Rank: S3
VA DGIF Tier: III
Federal Legal Status: None
Virginia Legal Status: None
Description: The Rapids Clubtail is a small blackish clubtail with a narrow club. The abdomen has small yellow triangles at the base of segments 3-7. Segments 8-9 have a large yellow spot on the side. The legs are entirely black. The size range is 42-45 mm (1.7 - 1.8 inches).
Similar species: The Rapids Clubtail is extremely similar to Beaverpond Clubtail (G. borealis) and Harpoon Clubtail (G. descriptus). They should be identified by careful examination in hand or by a specimen. See discussion in Paulson (2011).
North American Range: The Rapids Clubtail occurs in eastern North America from Maine and Ontario south to Tennessee and Arkansas. In Virginia it is recorded from several western counties.
VA Observations by Locality: Alleghany | Bath | Botetourt | Culpeper | Rockbridge | Albemarle | Dickenson | Russell
Flight season and broods: The Rapids Clubtail is found between 7 May to 10 July in Virginia.
Aquatic Habitat: The Rapids Clubtail occurs in larger streams and rivers with rapids and riffles. In Virginia, it inhabits pools of rapid streams and rivers (Carle, 1982).
Behavior and Ecology: When disturbed, it may retreat in an undulating flight pattern. The males often perch near riffles and rapids.
Population trend and potential threats: It is listed as critically imperiled or imperiled throughout its range except Wisconsin where it is considered secure (NatureServe, 2011).
Management practices: Monitor and protect occupied habitats.
References: Carle, F.L., 1982. A contribution to the knowledge of the Odonata. Ph.D. thesis, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia. 1,095 pp.
NatureServe. 2011. NatureServe Explorer: An online encyclopedia of life [web application]. Version 7.1. NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia. Available http://www.natureserve.org/explorer (Accessed: Sept. 2, 2012).
Paulson, Dennis. 2011. Dragonflies and Damselflies of the East. Princeton University Press. Princeton and Oxford. 538 pp.
Roble, Steven M. 2011. Dragonflies of Virginia- Flight dates. Unpub.