πŸͺ» Dragonflies & Damselflies

Black-shouldered Spinyleg

Dromogomphus spinosus

About 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.

πŸ’‘

Did You Know?

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

How to Identify Black-shouldered Spinyleg

Black-shouldered Spinyleg (Dromogomphus spinosus) belongs to the order Odonata, family Gomphidae. Adults typically measure 60-70 mm.

Black-shouldered Spinyleg Habitat

Black-shouldered Spinyleg is found in rivers & streams habitats, particularly across North America. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

Black-shouldered Spinyleg Diet and Feeding

Black-shouldered Spinyleg has an omnivorous diet, feeding on both plant and animal matter. This dietary flexibility allows it to exploit a wide range of food sources in its environment.

Where Is Black-shouldered Spinyleg Found?

Black-shouldered Spinyleg can be found in North America, where it inhabits rivers & streams environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Distribution Map

Where Black-shouldered Spinyleg can be found

Is Black-shouldered Spinyleg Dangerous?

Black-shouldered Spinyleg is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.

Black-shouldered Spinyleg Role in Nature

Black-shouldered Spinyleg plays a role in its ecosystem as part of the food web, serving as both consumer and prey. Insects like Black-shouldered Spinyleg are a vital food source for birds, bats, and other wildlife, and contribute to the overall health and balance of their environment.

Seasonal Activity

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Peak activity Moderate Low / dormant

Frequently Asked Questions About Black-shouldered Spinyleg

What does Black-shouldered Spinyleg look like?

The Black-shouldered Spinyleg typically measures 60-70 mm.

Where is Black-shouldered Spinyleg found?

The Black-shouldered Spinyleg is found in North America and typically inhabits rivers & streams environments.

What does Black-shouldered Spinyleg eat?

The Black-shouldered Spinyleg has an omnivorous diet, feeding on both plant and animal matter.

Is Black-shouldered Spinyleg dangerous to humans?

The Black-shouldered Spinyleg is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.

What is an interesting fact about Black-shouldered Spinyleg?

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

Cite This Page

APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Black-shouldered Spinyleg (Dromogomphus spinosus). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/black-shouldered-spinyleg

MLA:
"Black-shouldered Spinyleg." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/black-shouldered-spinyleg.