Cobra Clubtails Variability?

The following photographs were all taken on May 26th in Nelson and Fluvana Counties, Virginia. While the facial pattern is that of Gomphus vastas the anterior lateral stripe is broken or incomplete in all individuals. Caution should be practiced when getting a lateral view only due to the apparent similarity to lineatifrons. Dependent upon viewing conditions, a lateral view of a Gomphus with a broken or incomplete anterior lateral stripe needs to be combined with a view of the face and view of the size and shape of the club to better confirm the ID.

 

 

These last three (3) images are of an apparent vastas without any or MUCH reduced yellow on the lateral side of S8 and a possible hint of yellow on the dorsal side of S10.