Species Insects & ArthropodsRiffle Snaketail

Riffle Snaketail

Ophiogomphus carolus

UncommonInsect & Arthropod
Illustration of Riffle Snaketail (Ophiogomphus carolus)

The Riffle Snaketail is a small, bright green-and-yellow clubtail dragonfly associated with clean, fast-flowing rivers and streams. Its club-tipped abdomen is characteristic of the gomphid family. It is highly sensitive to water quality and its presence is used as an indicator of healthy, unpolluted waterways.

Habitat
Clean, fast-flowing streams and rivers
Diet
Adults: small flying insects. Nymphs: aquatic invertebrates in gravel beds
How common
Uncommon

Best time to see a Riffle Snaketail

The best time to see a Riffle Snaketail is June, when about 69% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 265 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Recent Riffle Snaketail sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

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