Ophiogomphus howei Bromley, 1924
Pygmy Snaketail
NatureServe Global Rank: G3
Virginia State Rank: S1S2
VA DGIF Tier: II
Federal Legal Status: None
Virginia Legal Status: None
Description: The Pygmy Snaketail is one of our smallest and rarest dragonflies. It is a very small clubtail with a deep green thorax lined with black, and a black abdomen with pointed yellow lines on all segments. The hindwings are distinctively marked with amber at the base. Its size is 31 - 34 mm (1.2 - 1.3 inches).
Similar species: Its very small size, amber-colored hindwings, and green thorax with a black, yellow-marked abdomen, is unlike an other dragonfly.
North American Range: There are disjunct populations in the northeast, Great Lakes, and southern Appalachians. In Virginia, it is known from a few southwestern counties along the New River.
VA Observations by Locality: Grayson | Carroll | Floyd | Grayson | Wythe
Flight season and broods: The Pygmy Snaketail has recorded observation from 30 April - 23 May in Virginia.
Aquatic Habitat: The Pygmy Snaketail lives in and around fast-flowing large rivers.
Behavior and Ecology: The Pygmy Snaketail are most active in the late mornings and early afternoons. They forage mainly along the treetops but will use riverside trees and adjacent fields as well.
Population trend and potential threats: It is critically imperiled throughout its range (NatureServe, 2011).
Management practices: Monitor and protect occupied habitat.
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: Jan. 8, 2013).
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.