Gomphidae

Gomphidae
Gomphidae
Austrogomphus guerini
Scientific classification e
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Odonata
Suborder: Epiprocta
Infraorder: Anisoptera
Family: Gomphidae
Genera

see text

Gomphidae is an Odonata family that contains about 90 genera and 900 species. They are commonly referred to as clubtail dragonflies. The name refers to the clublike widening of the end of the abdomen (abdominal segments 7 through 9). However, this club is usually less pronounced in females and is entirely absent in some species.

Clubtails have widely separated eyes, a trait they share with the Petaluridae and with damselflies. Adults are usually from 40 to 70 mm in length.

Most Gomphids breed in streams or rivers.

Etymology

The name may be derived from latin gomphus or gond meaning hinge.

Genera

External links