68 DRAGONFLIES OF OHIO. 



the inner margin is a prominent acute projection. In- 

 feriors more spreading than the superiors, from side 

 view gradually curved from base to apex. The female 

 differs in having the occiput suddenly prominent in the 

 middle and front femora wholly olive and hind femora 

 olive with apex fuscous. The vulvar lamina is about 

 one fourth as long as 9, divided lengthwise, the tips 

 separated ; so that it has the appearance of being com- 

 posed of two wedge-shaped parts with acute apexes. 



The slight contrast in the colors of the thorax, and 

 the acute spine on the under side of the middle of the 

 inner edge of the superior appendage of the male, are 

 characteristics of this species. 



Spicatus frequents the borders of wave beaten 

 shores or rushing rivers ; the males, during the warm 

 sunny hours, make frequent excursions over the crested 

 waves, after each of which they return to shore for rest, 

 the females generally remain in the herbage or higher 

 on trees near by, flying out occasionaly to deposit their 

 eggs in the disturbed waters and often bringing back a 

 consort to the place of rest. 



A common species in parts of Northern Ohio in 

 June. 



Group VI. 

 Gomphus spiniceps, Walsh. 



Length of abdomen cT 48, 9 47, hind wing cT 36, 9 

 39. 



Male ; colors black, olive and yellow ; head black 

 with an olive band on the post-frons. On the vertex 

 there is a U-shaped elevation, the upper angles of 

 which are tooth-like, and between this and the eye on 

 either side there is a small yellowish spine ; occiput 

 nearly straight, olivaceous above. Thorax and 

 dorsum black with brownish reflection, mesothoracic 



