πŸͺ» Dragonflies & Damselflies

Common Clubtail Dragonfly

Ictinogomphus ferox

About Common Clubtail Dragonfly

A large, boldly marked black and yellow dragonfly with a distinctly clubbed abdomen tip. It is a powerful flier that perches prominently on vegetation overlooking water.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the most voracious aerial predators among East African dragonflies, often catching prey nearly as large as itself.

How to Identify Common Clubtail Dragonfly

Common Clubtail Dragonfly (Ictinogomphus ferox) belongs to the order Odonata, family Gomphidae. Adults typically measure 55-65 mm body length.

Common Clubtail Dragonfly Habitat

Common Clubtail Dragonfly is found in ponds & lakes habitats, particularly across East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia). This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

Common Clubtail Dragonfly Diet and Feeding

Common Clubtail Dragonfly is a herbivore, feeding on plant material including leaves, stems, flowers, and other vegetation. Herbivorous insects play a significant role in ecosystems by influencing plant growth and serving as a food source for predators.

Where Is Common Clubtail Dragonfly Found?

Common Clubtail Dragonfly can be found in East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia), where it inhabits ponds & lakes environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Distribution Map

Where Common Clubtail Dragonfly can be found

Is Common Clubtail Dragonfly Dangerous?

Common Clubtail Dragonfly 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.

Common Clubtail Dragonfly Role in Nature

Common Clubtail Dragonfly is part of the food web as a primary consumer, feeding on plant material. It serves as an important food source for birds, bats, amphibians, and other insectivores, connecting plant energy to higher trophic levels.

Seasonal Activity

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Common Clubtail Dragonfly

What does Common Clubtail Dragonfly look like?

The Common Clubtail Dragonfly typically measures 55-65 mm body length.

Where is Common Clubtail Dragonfly found?

The Common Clubtail Dragonfly is found in East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia) and typically inhabits ponds & lakes environments.

What does Common Clubtail Dragonfly eat?

The Common Clubtail Dragonfly feeds on plant material including leaves, stems, and other vegetation.

Is Common Clubtail Dragonfly dangerous to humans?

The Common Clubtail Dragonfly is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.

What is an interesting fact about Common Clubtail Dragonfly?

It is one of the most voracious aerial predators among East African dragonflies, often catching prey nearly as large as itself.

Cite This Page

APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Common Clubtail Dragonfly (Ictinogomphus ferox). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/common-clubtail-dragonfly

MLA:
"Common Clubtail Dragonfly." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/common-clubtail-dragonfly.