Hodges' clubtail facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hodges' clubtail |
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| Genus: |
Phanogomphus
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| Species: |
hodgesi
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The Hodges' clubtail (Phanogomphus hodgesi) is a type of dragonfly. It belongs to a group of dragonflies called "clubtails" because of their unique body shape. This dragonfly lives in the southeastern United States. You can find it in states like Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
For a while, scientists called this dragonfly Gomphus hodgesi. But in 2017, they changed its name to Phanogomphus hodgesi. This happened because the group Phanogomphus became its own main group, or genus.
The Hodges' clubtail is listed as "Near Threatened." This means it's not in immediate danger, but it could become threatened soon. Its population seems steady for now.
Contents
What is the Hodges' Clubtail Dragonfly?
The Hodges' clubtail is a fascinating insect. It is part of the Gomphidae family. This family includes many types of dragonflies. They are often called "clubtails" because the end of their body, called the abdomen, can look like a small club.
Where Does the Hodges' Clubtail Live?
This special dragonfly lives along the Gulf Coast of the United States. Its home includes parts of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi. It prefers habitats near water, like rivers and streams.
Why is it "Near Threatened"?
The Hodges' clubtail has a conservation status of "Near Threatened" (NT). This status is given by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It means the species might become endangered in the future. Scientists check on its status regularly. The last check was in 2018.
Learning More About Dragonflies
There isn't a lot of public information about the Hodges' clubtail yet. But scientists are working to change that. Dr. John Abbott at the University of Alabama is leading a big project. He received a large grant to study dragonflies and damselflies.
The GEODE Project
This project is called GEODE. It stands for "Genealogy and Ecology of Odonata." Odonata is the scientific name for dragonflies and damselflies. Scientists from several universities and museums are helping. They hope to create a huge database of information.
The Hodges' clubtail will be part of this project. In the future, this database will help everyone learn more. People will be able to study how these insects have changed over time. They can also learn about how sensitive they are to pollution.
Protecting the Hodges' Clubtail
States where the Hodges' clubtail lives are working to protect it. Louisiana listed it as a "Species of Greatest Conservation Need" in 2015. Other states also consider it "Near Threatened."
State Conservation Plans
These states have made plans to help the Hodges' clubtail. For example, Alabama created an action plan for 2015-2025. This plan talks about threats to wildlife and how to protect them.
The main threats to species like the Hodges' clubtail include:
- Losing their natural homes.
- Changes to their natural environments.
- Harm from human activities.
- New species that don't belong there.
- Not enough information or protection.
These plans are very important. They help states work to keep the Hodges' clubtail safe.
Environmental Changes
Scientists have seen changes in dragonfly populations in other parts of the world. For example, in Europe, some dragonfly types are becoming less common. There aren't many studies yet on how pollution affects the Hodges' clubtail. However, studies from other areas suggest that pollution and habitat damage could be a problem for this dragonfly too.
