Range & Habitat:

Very rare in New Jersey, it is only known from a few northwestern counties.  A Bergen County population is apparently extirpated.

Found along small cold streams in forested areas.  The males fly low slow patrols along shady streams, frequently hovering.

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male dorsal

male angled

Description:

A large blackish dragonfly with green eyes, yellow thoracic stripes and bold yellow rings around the abdomen.  Twin-spotted Spiketail has rows of paired spots dorsally down the abdomen.  The uncommon Zebra Clubtail is found in different habitat, has an obviously clubbed abdomen and has smaller, less conspicuous yellow or green abdominal rings.

Conservation Status:

Global: G4 - Apparently secure globally

Flight season:

Early Date: 6/23
Late Date: 9/5

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Populations in the southern part of the range appear in June, while the ones in the higher northern sites are more common in August.