On Friday I kept encountering dragonflies that were clearly different from any I had seen before. There is a family of dragonflies known as “clubtails” in which the ends of their abdomens (the “tail”) are enlarged. I have seen a number of different members of this family, but none of them had as large a “club” as the ones that I spotted repeatedly as I explored Riverbend Park along the Potomac River.
I suspected and eventually was able to confirm that these are Cobra Clubtails (Gomphurus vastus). Isn’t that a cool name for a dragonfly—someone obviously thought that the “clubtail” looked like a cobra’s hood.
The Cobra Clubtails perched on the rocks and in the vegetation along the water’s edge and I was able to capture images of several of them. I am leading with a photo that provides a good look at the “clubtail,” though I tend to be drawn more to photos like final one in which you get to look into the eyes of the dragonfly.
This is probably the closest I want to be to staring into the eyes of a cobra.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Great captures, Mike. He blends in pretty well, I might have missed him in that first photo.
It’s interesting that you noted the camouflage, Dan. I almost literally stumbled on this one as I made my way to the water’s edge.
What a beautiful dragonfly and a very aptly named one too! Benjamin will love these photos of another of his favorite friends. Thank-you, Mr. Mike!
Just a quick note from Benjamin : “That is a humongous tail on the dragonfly! I like his big green eyes too! Dragonflies are my favorite!” Thank-you, Mr. Mike!!
All nice captures, Mike, and a good view of the club tail. I do like the green of his eyes and continue to find it amazing how many color variations are present in the dragonflies.
Just a quick note from Benjamin : “That is a humongous tail on the dragonfly! I like his big green eyes too! Dragonflies are my favorite!” Thank-you, Mr. Mike!!
Sorry, it seems to have posted twice!