Plains Clubtail

A member of the Gomphidae, or clubtail family, the plains clubtail is not very highly distributed in Minnesota. It has been found mainly in the south and south eastern portions of the state. However there are many parts of Minnesota that have not yet been adequately surveyed so it is possible that we might find them in other parts of the state.

A medium to large clubtail the plains is typically found near large muddy streams and rivers usually with a slow current. I photographed this plains at the Carpenter Nature Center, which is located on the St Croix River. Most people don't think of the St Croix River as slow and muddy, because they are thinking of the northern portions which are usually fairly swift and clean. Carpenter is near where the St Croix meets up with the Mississippi, where it widens, slowing down the current, and almost forms a lake.