THE XERCES SOCIETY FOR INVERTEBRATE CONSERVATION

Aquatic Invertebrates in Pacific Northwest Freshwater Wetlands
An Identification Guide and Educational Resource

Cordulegastridae
(spiketails)
Have a scoop shaped labium that covers most of the front of the head. The "pincers" or lobes of the labium have a margin of large, uneven teeth. Horn or nose absent from the front of the head.

Gomphidae
(clubtails)
Digging lobe on front legs. Short, thick, 4-segmented antennae. The 3rd segment of the antennae is very large, while the 4th or last segment is tiny. Flat labium.

Macromiidae
(cruisers)
Horn like projection on front of head. Scoop shaped labium that covers most of the front of the head. The "pincers" or lobes of the labium have a margin of large teeth that are all similar in size.