Snaketail species (Ophiogomphus species?)

An Ophiogomphus species has been observed along the James River in the City of Richmond, Virginia during the 2006 through 2008 early spring period (mid April) and as of yet has been unidentified. The following are a series of both male and female photographs taken from this period. One series of photographs are of a captured female (specimen lost). Any assistance in the identification would be appreciated.

Update: Both Ken Tennessen and Dennis Paulson have reviewed the photographs and agreed the observed species is similar to Ophiogomphus susbehcha (Wisconsin Snaketail). They agree, however, that some specimens will be required to truly confirm the identification of this species.

UPDATE: Steve Roble has collected exuviae and specimens of the species this spring, 2008. While walking a stretch of the James River with Steve on the afternoon of April 12th I found a newly emerging male as can be seen in the last series of photographs.

The last three (2) photographs (at the bottom of the page) are of cerci & epiprocts from a captured male (Fluvanna County, Virginia) on April 19, 2008. This specimen was one of four (4) observed on this date with three (3) being male and the fourth a female.

Above six (6) photographs Male- City of Richmond, Virginia April 9, 2006

Above six (6)photographs Female- City of Richmond, Virginia Note the pale thighs in lower images Species indeterminate at this point April 10, 2006

Below two images are of individuals observed in City of Richmond, Virginia on April 13, 2007.

The photographs below are of a female captured on April 21, 2007.

Photographs below are from the afternoon of April 12, 2008 along the James River in Richmond, Virginia

Emerging 3:59 p.m.

4:01 p.m.

4:19 p.m.

4:27 p.m.

4:39 p.m.

4:40 p.m. Shortly after this photograph Steve Roble collected the specimen for identification.

Close-up of developing appendages

The following are close-ups male appendages (cerci & epiprocts) from Fluvanna County, Virginia on April 19, 2008