genus: Phyllogomphoides

These are  large slender gomphids with conspicuously ringed abdomen in at the lateral view. Male Leaftails do not have much of a club, but rather leaflike projections on In  on edges of segments 8-9.  The size of the projections varies somewhat in both sexes of each species, so "tails" are more or less "leafy" in different individuals.  Presence of small epiproct in male and absence of extended corners on segment10 distinguishes it from greater forceptails.  Cerci are long, pale, and forcepts-like in males, with small tooth on inside; long and white in females. Thorax in our species appears brown with pale yellow stripes. Wings are hyaline with tan stigmas and a yellow costa vein.  Legs are dark and short.

Males may guard a stretch of water by swiftly flying back and forth, hovering  a few times.  When not patrolling over water, they are usually flying at treetop levels foraging for food. These gomphids are very wary of humans making them very difficult to approach.

  Leaftails are a very diverse group of stream dwellers from Mexico and souther South America.