Black-shouldered Spinyleg vs Tawny Emperor

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Black-shouldered Spinyleg Tawny Emperor
Scientific Name Dromogomphus spinosus Asterocampa clyton
Order Odonata Lepidoptera
Family Gomphidae Nymphalidae
Size 60-70 mm 40-65 mm wingspan
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Dung Feeders
Regions North America Eastern and Central North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Black-shouldered Spinyleg

A large, elegant clubtail with distinctive spiny hind legs and black shoulder stripes. It perches conspicuously on rocks and logs along streams.

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Did You Know?

The spiny projections on its hind legs form a basket used to scoop prey out of the air.

Tawny Emperor

A warm tawny-brown butterfly with dark bars and a row of small eyespots on the hindwing. Unlike most butterflies, it rarely visits flowers, preferring tree sap and rotting fruit.

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Did You Know?

It is strongly attracted to human perspiration and will readily land on sweaty hikers.