Common Clubtail vs Persian Spoonwing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Common Clubtail Persian Spoonwing
Scientific Name Gomphus vulgatissimus Lertha sheppardi
Order Odonata Neuroptera
Family Gomphidae Nemopteridae
Size 50-55 mm wingspan 28-36 mm wingspan (forewings)
Habitat Rivers & Streams Grasslands
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Europe Iran, Middle East, Central Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Common Clubtail

A medium-sized dragonfly with a club-shaped abdomen tip and distinctive yellow and black markings. It emerges en masse from rivers in late spring.

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Did You Know?

Unlike most dragonflies, clubtails frequently perch on the ground or on flat surfaces rather than hanging from vegetation.

Persian Spoonwing

A Middle Eastern nemopterid found in arid steppe and desert-margin habitats. Adults have beautifully patterned forewings and long trailing hindwings.

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Did You Know?

It emerges in brief spring blooms in the desert, matching its adult life to wildflower availability.