Clubtails
Family Gomphidae
Genus Dromogomphus
Black-shouldered Spinyleg (Dromogomphus spinosus)



Flight season: mid-June to mid-September.

Population: commonly encountered at the Moira River, perching along the shoreline or on emergent rocks. Often found foraging along the trans-Canada Trail a fair distance from water.

Length: about 55 mm to 60 mm. The pattern on the upper thorax – a capital "I" between two oval spots – is unique.


Tweed, Ontario, the Moira River, near the walking bridge and dam: rock-bottomed river with fast flowing water, rapids and emergent rocks, but also quiet pools and backwaters. The shoreline vegetation is mostly trees with a few small clearings supporting tall grasses and wildflowers.
Male Black-shouldered Spinyleg (Dromogomphus spinosus) – the bluish-gray color of the pale areas indicates this is an older fully mature dragonfly (August 27, 2009).

......................................................................
Female Black-shouldered Spinyleg (Dromogomphus spinosus) – aptly named, this clubtail has very long hind legs that bear spines of two different lengths (August 07, 2014).





Tweed, Ontario, near a sand-bottomed woodland stream east of town along trans-Canada Trail: small sand bottomed creek as well as some standing or slowly moving water in shady forested areas. Sunlit open spaces are created by the trail. The lagoon is located not far to the north.
Male Black-shouldered Spinyleg (Dromogomphus spinosus) – clubtails prefer to perch on flat surfaces such as leaves, rocks or on the trail (August 08, 2011).

......................................................................
An immature male Black-shouldered Spinyleg (Dromogomphus spinosus) – younger individuals are a striking contrast of bright yellow and black (June 29, 2012).


Tweed, Ontario, the Moira River, east of town near Collin's Point: rock-bottomed river with fast flowing water, rapids and emergent rocks, the shoreline vegetation consists of wooded areas and clearings supporting tall grasses and wildflowers.
Female Black-shouldered Spinyleg (Dromogomphus spinosus)
August 26, 2012