Eastern Ringtail (Erpetogomphus designatus)

Elk Grove, IL
2012-06-20
The Eastern Ringtail (Erpetogomphus designatus) is a distinctive clubtail dragonfly and a member of the Gomphidae family. The end of its abdomen is brown and slightly enlarged, giving it a unique appearance among dragonflies. The abdomen is also marked with characteristic black spots.
The face of the Eastern Ringtail is a light green, and its eyes are a vivid green, adding to its striking appearance. Its thorax is green with prominent black stripes, and the legs range in color from green to black. This coloration not only makes it easily recognizable but also aids in its camouflage within its natural habitat, which includes rivers, streams, and other freshwater bodies.
Autumn Meadowhawk• Black Darter• Black Saddlebags• Blue Dasher• Carolina Saddlebags• Common Green Darner• Common Whitetail• Eastern Amberwing• Eastern Forktail• Eastern Pondhawk• Eastern Ringtail• Familiar Bluet• Four-Spotted Pennant• Great Blue Skimmer• Halloween Pennant• Ruby Meadowhawk• Scarlet Skimmer• Seaside Dragonlet• Swamp Darner• Twelve-Spotted Skimmer• Widow Skimmer