Slender Clubtails, Genus Gomphus, subgenus gomphus, include 6 species that occur in New Jersey: Lancet Clubtail, Ashy Clubtail, Dusky Clubtail, Rapids Clubtail, Beaverpond Clubtail and Harpoon Clubtail. As a group, they are among the most common early Odes, but several of the group are quite rare and local. They can be frustratingly similar and the common ones especially show considerable variation, individually, between populations and also as they age.

We've put together a little quiz to help you hone your ID skills. A word of warning: one or more of the quiz Odes may not be a Slender Clubtail but a different genus instead.

Let us know how you make out, either by a posting to the njodes listserve or through our internal feedback form.