Hobbies And Interests
Physical Characteristics
Harpoon clubtail dragonflies have bulging dark gray-green eyes and black, thin bodies. They average about 2 inches in length. Both genders have slightly clubbed abdomens, and the males have two sharply pointed appendages at the tip, hence their common name.
Habitat and Distribution
The species is native to the northeastern part of the United States, extending into Canada. Because its larvae are aquatic, it is mostly found near streams. Harpoon clubtails prefer stream pools with soft sandy or silty bottoms, rather than rocks or gravel. The larvae spend much of their time buried, to be safe from larger predators.
Life Cycle
The adult harpoon clubtail dragonflies breed in the late spring. After mating, the females lay their eggs into the surface of streams. The currents usually carry the eggs into pools. After hatching, the dragonfly nymphs grow rapidly, feeding on any other aquatic animals small enough for them to overpower. Their prey includes tadpoles, small fish and countless aquatic invertebrates. The nymphs pupate on the banks of the pool. When the adults emerge, they take shelter in nearby woods because their exoskeleton remains very soft and vulnerable for a while afterward. Rain could damage them. The adults are also carnivores, chasing down flying insects such as flies and mosquitoes.
Gardening for Dragonflies
The two main things a gardener can do to attract dragonflies are to create a wildlife pond and to avoid the use of chemicals, in particular pesticides. This species may prefer a pond with a small stream running into it. A layer of mud on the bottom of the pond and an abundance of native aquatic plants help to form the ideal habitat for dragonfly nymphs. A pond that is at least 2 feet deep helps to shelter the nymphs from predators. Additionally, harpoon clubtail dragonflies need trees or shrubs nearby to shelter in when they emerge.