Skip to main content

Elusive Clubtail

Stylurus notatus

Photo by beaker98
Published on Project Noah
Zoom
NominateNominate for Wildlife Photograph of the Month
reportFlag Spotting

41.4642, -90.5757

Field Notes

Habitat:

Prairie Restoration Area at Blackhawk State Park

Species ID Suggestions

Elusive Clubtail

Stylurus notatus
Steve Hummel
1

Comments (4)
beaker98
Thanks for this information Steve! Very interesting. As to why it was in the grass, could it be because this was right after a heavy rain? It was actually moments after the rain subsided that I found it.
Steve Hummel
Finding this species perched in grass is really unusual as they typically perch high in trees. The common name is pretty descriptive as they are not seen that often. While Riverine will patrol back and forth over riffle areas in rivers, Elusive will dive down to the riffles, grab something, and head back to the treetops. They are difficult to catch.
beaker98
Thank you Steve! Changes have been made.
Steve Hummel
Not a Blue Dasher. Not even a Libellulidae. Look at the eyes. They do not touch meaning this a Gomphid. Appears to be an Elusive Clubtail - Stylurus notatus. Here in western Iowa I often find this species with Stylurus amnicola - Riverine Clubtail.

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Critters of the Midwest
Mission
National Geographic's Great Nature Project

Tags

Photographed
PublishedJuly 30, 2013

Community Sponsor

Butterfly
Become a Community Sponsor and Help Grow our Global Movement!

Accelerate our Mission to Photograph 
Every Species in the World!

Butterflies icon
Become a Community Sponsor

Wildlife Community

Wildlife Community

Join a worldwide community passionate about wildlife and nature!

Join Project Noah

Nature School

Nature School

Transform your green space into a curiosity-creating nature classroom!

Visit Nature School

Wildlife Game

Wildlife Game

Defend wildlife throughout the jungle in thrilling nature game!

Play Baboon

Nature & Conservation Organizations

Brands & Mission-Focused Companies