description Common Whitetail Overview
The Common Whitetail (Plathemis lydia) is a widespread dragonfly of the skimmer family, Libellulidae, native to North America. Mature males are highly recognizable by their broad, dark wing bands and a distinct, chalky white abdomen. Females and immature males look quite different, featuring brown abdomens with yellow lateral stripes and three distinct dark patches on each wing. They are commonly found near ponds, lakes, and marshes where they breed and hunt for small insects.
help Common Whitetail FAQ
What does a male Common Whitetail dragonfly look like?
Mature male Common Whitetails (Plathemis lydia) are easily recognized by their broad, dark wing bands and a distinctive chalky-white abdomen. The flat, powdery white abdomen gives the species its common name.
How do you distinguish female Common Whitetails from males?
Female and immature male Common Whitetails look quite different from mature males, featuring brown bodies with yellowish markings along the abdomen and dark wing spots rather than broad dark bands. Females lack the chalky-white coloration entirely.
Where can the Common Whitetail dragonfly be found?
The Common Whitetail is native to North America and is one of the most widespread and frequently encountered dragonfly species on the continent. They are commonly found near ponds, marshes, lakes, and other still-water habitats across the United States and southern Canada.
What family does the Common Whitetail belong to?
The Common Whitetail belongs to the skimmer family, Libellulidae, which is the largest family of dragonflies. Skimmers are known for perching on vegetation or the ground and darting out to catch prey or defend territory.
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