River Clubtail vs Mexican Antlion

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute River Clubtail Mexican Antlion
Scientific Name Stylurus flavipes Vella americana
Order Odonata Neuroptera
Family Gomphidae Myrmeleontidae
Size 50-55mm 65-85 mm wingspan
Habitat Rivers & Streams Deserts & Drylands
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Europe, Asia Southwestern United States, Mexico
Conservation Near Threatened Least Concern

River Clubtail

A large clubtail dragonfly with yellow and black markings and a distinctly expanded abdomen tip. It breeds in large lowland rivers with sandy beds. Adults spend much time hanging in tree canopies.

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Did You Know?

Adults spend most of their time high in riverside trees, only descending to water to breed, making them hard to observe.

Mexican Antlion

A robust antlion found across the southern United States and Mexico. Recognized by its large size and boldly marked forewings.

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Did You Know?

Adults are surprisingly strong fliers for antlions and actively hunt small moths at dusk.