Eastern Ringtail (Erpetogomphus designatus), female, Burlington, Wisconsin, (Racine County) USA, Fox River near Saller Woods. July 7, 2025. Photo Copyright Steven Lubahn.
DSA Species of the Month for March 2026
Eastern Ringtail (Erpetogomphus designatus)
DSA’s March “Species of the Month” is the Eastern Ringtail (Erpetogomphus designatus), in the Clubtail family “Gomphidae.” It’s 49–55 mm (about 2 inches) in length, and frequents rivers and sunny sandy or gravelly streams. The Eastern Ringtail is found south to the Mexican uplands, east to northwestern Florida and Maryland, west as far as New Mexico and north to the Midwest; with other spotty records across North America (including Montana). Join naturalist Steven Lubahn as he encounters this species in Wisconsin—and has a few adventures along the way.
Chasing Clubtails
I’ve been birding for nearly 30 years, but as my passion for birds cooled, the late summer Meadowhawks reawakened my interest in nature. I became interested in Odonata in the summer of 2020. Any avid naturalist can attest that when you walk outside, a change occurs within. When I step onto a trail or a river, I open up. I find a different rhythm as my focus becomes directed outward.
In late summer of 2025, I focused on adding Arrow Clubtail (Stylurus spiniceps), Elusive Clubtail (S. notatus), and Russet-tipped Clubtail (S. plagiatus) to Racine County’s species list in Wisconsin. Because of minimal coverage, southeastern Wisconsin offers opportunities for Odonata surveyors to fill in gaps of known species.
Arrow Clubtail (Stylurus spiniceps) male, Burlington, Wisconsin, USA, Hoosier Creek Road boat launch. 9-12-2025. Photo copyright Steven Lubahn.
The Fox River, which flows from Colgate, Wisconsin, all the way to Ottawa, Illinois, became the focus of my interest, especially the area close to my home. In Wisconsin, the river flows through Waukesha, Racine, and Kenosha Counties. I methodically studied the maps and worked my way down the river.
In August of 2025 I decided to explore the swollen and volatile Fox River in Racine, with hopes of adding a new clubtail to the county’s list. Recent rains raised the river by at least a couple of feet. In June, I waded across the entire river on foot to photograph a Jade Clubtail (Arigomphus submedianus) . Now, I was determined to merely hug the shoreline in my kayak.
Jade Clubtail (Arigomphus submedianus) male, Racine, Wisconsin, USA, Fox River, Saller Woods. June 14, 2025. Photo copyright Steven Lubahn.
That was my plan, anyway.
A river is a fitting analogy for life. How often have I made that association when pondering adversity. The circulation of my blood and the river’s current both flow continuously, defying attachments and resistance to change.
Navigating the shoreline that day was a challenge. I maneuvered around dead trees. It was one of these trees that I clung to when I realized I made a fateful decision. My hope was to cross the river and find refuge on the opposite shoreline.
Fox River, east of Saller Woods, (location of the Eastern Ringtail), Racine County, Wisconsin, USA September 11, 2025. Photo copyright Steven Lubahn.
Instead, I was slammed into another tree. Hanging onto it with one arm, I watched the rushing water rise. Then, my kayak disowned me. The next moment, I was underwater and under the tree. The branches lashed my face. I eventually felt the river bottom with my feet. Thankfully, I finally made it to shore. Bruised and cut up, my quest had to be postponed.
On the morning of September seventh. I returned to the Fox River in Racine again, this time on foot. I found an Arrow Clubtail in a city park. As I suspected, they were present all along.
My next stop was to revisit the river near Saller Woods in Racine County. After finding many Russet-tipped Clubtails in Kenosha County the day before, I was hopeful. The same river that hurled me in August was only a foot deep at this location.
Russet-tipped Clubtail (Stylurus plagiatus), male, Burlington, Wisconsin, (Kenosha County), USA, Fox River Park. September 6, 2025. Photo copyright Steven Lubahn.
There were Arrow Clubtails present but no Russet-tipped Clubtails or Elusive Clubtails. I would add them later in the season. For now, I made my way to the opposite shore. I walked gingerly, through the matted grass, which a week earlier was underwater. And then . . . I spotted a mystery Clubtail in the grass. I managed two photos until the dragonfly took off over the brush.
Eastern Ringtail (Erpetogomphus designatus) male, Shopiere, Rock County, Wisconsin, USA, Sweet Allyn Park. July 21, 2024. Photo copyright Steven Lubahn.
A female Eastern Ringtail (Erpetogomphus designatus), in full sunlight! I had seen them along Turtle Creek in Rock County, where they were discovered for the first time in 2022. I couldn’t believe I was seeing one in Racine County on a river I spent considerable time surveying.
Eastern Ringtail, with its bright green thorax, cerulean eyes and a checkered abdomen dipped in burnt sienna, is a thing of beauty.
Eastern Ringtail (Erpetogomphus designatus), female Burlington, Wisconsin, (Racine County) USA, Fox River near Saller Woods. July 7, 2025. Photo Copyright Steven Lubahn.
Seeing it hover with a raised abdomen, as it seemingly defies gravity like a child's toy, is why I want to be out there every day.
The Fox River brings hope that this species further establishes a population in Wisconsin.
Bio: Steven Lubahn is an amateur naturalist living in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Note: Portions of the introductory information from DSA are taken from Dennis Paulson’s Dragonflies and Damselflies of the East and Dragonflies and Damselflies of the West (Princeton University Press).
