πŸͺ» Dragonflies & Damselflies

Pacific Spiketail

Cordulegaster dorsalis

About Pacific Spiketail

The only spiketail dragonfly on the Pacific coast of North America. It has a dark brown body with yellow dorsal spots and patrols shaded forest seepages.

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Did You Know?

It is the only spiketail species found west of the Rocky Mountains in North America.

How to Identify Pacific Spiketail

Pacific Spiketail (Cordulegaster dorsalis) belongs to the order Odonata, family Cordulegastridae. Adults typically measure 65-75 mm.

Pacific Spiketail Habitat

Pacific Spiketail is found in forests habitats, particularly across North America. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

Pacific Spiketail Diet and Feeding

Pacific Spiketail 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 Pacific Spiketail Found?

Pacific Spiketail can be found in North America, where it inhabits forests environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Distribution Map

Where Pacific Spiketail can be found

Is Pacific Spiketail Dangerous?

Pacific Spiketail 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.

Pacific Spiketail Role in Nature

Pacific Spiketail plays a role in its ecosystem as part of the food web, serving as both consumer and prey. Insects like Pacific Spiketail 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 Pacific Spiketail

What does Pacific Spiketail look like?

The Pacific Spiketail typically measures 65-75 mm.

Where is Pacific Spiketail found?

The Pacific Spiketail is found in North America and typically inhabits forests environments.

What does Pacific Spiketail eat?

The Pacific Spiketail has an omnivorous diet, feeding on both plant and animal matter.

Is Pacific Spiketail dangerous to humans?

The Pacific Spiketail is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.

What is an interesting fact about Pacific Spiketail?

It is the only spiketail species found west of the Rocky Mountains in North America.

Cite This Page

APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Pacific Spiketail (Cordulegaster dorsalis). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/pacific-spiketail

MLA:
"Pacific Spiketail." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/pacific-spiketail.