Black-shouldered Spinylegs

Another one of the large clubtails that we have here in Minnesota is the black-shouldered spinylegs. Unlike most birds names, the common names of many of the dragonflies are actually fitting descriptions of the dragon and the black shouldered spinylegs is the ultimate example. It's name comes from its large black shoulder stripes and the large spines that protrude from their hindlegs.

The black-shouldered spinylegs can be found through out most of the summer and into September, log after many of the other clubtails have disappeared. They are typically found along large streams and rivers or lakes with rocky shores. The water can not be too acidic or else the nymphs will not survive. I photographed this black-shouldered spinylegs on the shores of the St Croix River in Wild River State Park.