Elderberry Borer vs Clubtail Dragonfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Elderberry Borer Clubtail Dragonfly
Scientific Name Desmocerus palliatus Ophiogomphus cecilia
Order Coleoptera Odonata
Family Cerambycidae Gomphidae
Size 18-26 mm 50-55 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Root Feeders Predators
Regions Eastern North America from Quebec to Florida Europe
Conservation Least Concern Near Threatened

Elderberry Borer

A striking longhorn beetle with cobalt blue wing covers and a bright yellow-orange base. Its larvae develop inside the stems and roots of living elderberry shrubs.

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Did You Know?

Its vivid blue and yellow coloring is thought to mimic toxic net-winged beetles for protection from predators.

Clubtail Dragonfly

A green-eyed dragonfly with a club-shaped abdomen tip found along clean rivers.

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Did You Know?

Its larvae bury themselves in clean sand and are indicators of excellent water quality.