Insect · GBIF taxon 4302510
Common Whitetail
Plathemis lydiaAlso known as Long-tailed Skimmer
Common Whitetails are stocky dragonflies often seen resting on open ground near still or slow water. Mature males develop a chalky white abdomen, while females and young males have brown bodies marked with pale zigzags.
dragonflywetlandaerial hunter
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- mosquitoes
- midges
- small flies
Predators
- birds
- frogs
- larger dragonflies
ThreatsWetland drainage, polluted water, and loss of emergent shoreline vegetation
HabitatsPonds, marshes, lakeshores, and slow streams with open sunny edges
Life spanAquatic nymphs usually develop for one to two years; adults live for several weeks
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyLibellulidae
- SpeciesPlathemis lydia
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- They do not sting and usually avoid close contact with people.
Responsible observation
- Watch: Look for low patrol flights and frequent ground perches beside calm water.
- Identify: Check wing patches and abdominal pattern because sexes look markedly different.
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.