UNICORN CLUBTAIL AND Jade CLUBTAIL
This is a Jade Clubtail. They look very similar to Unicorn Clubtails, but note the subtle differences between this Jade Clubtail at left and the Unicorn Clubtail above. Jade Clubtails are a softer, minty green, with less black in the pattern, and a reddish-brown club.
Unicorn Clubtails are more tolerant of degraded urban ponds than many clubtail species.
You would think that something called "unicorn" would be rare, but Unicorn Clubtails are actually one of our most common clubtail species. This dragonfly gets its name from a very tiny horn on its forehead.
Jade Clubtails are much less common in Ohio than Unicorn Clubtails. They were first discovered in the state in 2018 by Jim Lemon. They seem to be expanding their range in Ohio. There are several known locations, mostly north and west of Dayton, including Lake Loramie, Swift Run Lake in Piqua, Forty Acre Pond in Auglaize County, Englewood, and Hueston Woods. Keep your eyes open for this species to expand its range in our area!
Unicorn Clubtails are distinctive due to the golden claspers at the end of their abdomen. There are only two similar species in Ohio: the Lilypad Clubtail (not documented in southwestern Ohio) and the Jade Clubtail (discussed below).
Unicorn Clubtails are typically found around ponds from late May through early July.
