Common Whitetail
Plathemis lydia
This record describes Plathemis lydia (species). Recorded family: Libellulidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
Males and females have different wing patterns: Males: Immature males have the same body pattern as females but the same wing pattern as mature males: 'tween' males have abdomens that are beginning to turn blue, but the adolescent body pattern still shows through the blue: Mature males have a short, stout abdomen that is completely chalky blue-white covering the adolescent pattern: Females: Females have a short, stout abdomen with several oblique dorsolateral white or pale yellow markings against a brown ground color; each wing has three black evenly-spaced blotches: Female ventral view: The patterns may be fainter in some, presumably younger - teneral, individuals: While an old female may look very dark: Closeups: Wing venation: Face of the male and a closeup of eyes: Face of the female: Head of the female showing the plate where the male claspers lock: Closeup of female terminal appendages: This dragonfly uses a pursuit display with males. When 2 males encounter each other, one dashes at the other and pursues him. The pursuing male raises the white upper abdominal surface toward the new arrival who flies away with his abdomen lowered. Then after 8-16 meters, the males switch roles. This continues until the new arrival restricts his movements to the vicinity of another site.
Wikipedia reference for Plathemis lydia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_whitetail.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Odonata (Dragonflies and Damselflies)
- Suborder
- Anisoptera
- Family
- Libellulidae (Skimmers)
- Genus
- Plathemis (Whitetails)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Ponds, lakes, marshes, streams; adults may also be found some distance from water.
Geographic Range
Found in the 48 contiguous states and the range continues south into Mexico. Found in these Canadian provinces: British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.
Seasonal Activity
Primarily a summer species, but may be seen as early as late April and as late as November 1st (in New Jersey).
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Adults feed on flying insects.
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Plathemis lydia. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Odonata includes ~6,000 described species of dragonflies and damselflies. Dragonflies are among the fastest flying insects, reaching 36 mph (58 km/h). They can fly in any direction including backward, and hover in place - each wing operates independently.
Ecological role of the group
Dragonflies predate dinosaurs by nearly 100 million years - fossils date to 325 million years ago. The largest dragonfly ancestor, Meganeuropsis permiana (285 mya), had a 75cm wingspan, enabled by atmospheric oxygen levels of 31-35% compared to today's 21%. Dragonflies have a 95% hunting success rate - the highest of any predator.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Dragonflies are voracious predators that consume hundreds of mosquitoes daily, providing natural pest control worth millions in reduced mosquito-borne disease risk. A single dragonfly can eat 30 to hundreds of mosquitoes per day.
Recorded sources for this group: Natural History Museum London, Britannica, fossil record research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Common Whitetail (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Stephen_WV; Additional contributions by john and jane balaban , Robin McLeod , KenW , Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Common Whitetail
What is Common Whitetail?
Common Whitetail (Plathemis lydia) is a species in the family Libellulidae, within the order Odonata.
How do you identify Common Whitetail?
Males and females have different wing patterns: Males: Immature males have the same body pattern as females but the same wing pattern as mature males: 'tween' males have abdomens that are beginning to turn blue, but the adolescent body pattern still shows through the blue: Mature males have a short, stout abdomen that is completely chalky blue-white covering the adolescent pattern: Females: Females have a short, stout abdomen with several oblique dorsolateral white or pale yellow markings against a brown ground color; each wing has three black evenly-spaced blotches: Female ventral view: The patterns may be fainter in some, presumably younger - teneral, individuals: While an old female may look very dark: Closeups: Wing venation: Face of the male and a closeup of eyes: Face of the female: Head of the female showing the plate where the male claspers lock: Closeup of female terminal appendages:
Where is Common Whitetail found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Ponds, lakes, marshes, streams; adults may also be found some distance from water. |
| Range | Found in the 48 contiguous states and the range continues south into Mexico. Found in these Canadian provinces: British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. |
What does Common Whitetail eat?
The diet of the Common Whitetail includes Adults feed on flying insects..
When is Common Whitetail active?
Common Whitetail: seasonal activity - Primarily a summer species, but may be seen as early as late April and as late as November 1st (in New Jersey)..