Medium-sized dragonfly with white abdomen in adult males. Common in suburban yards.

Also called: Common Whitetail, Long-tailed Skimmer

Native status: Native; widespread

§ Quick facts

SizeBody length 4–4.8 cm; wingspan 6–7.5 cm
Weight~0.4 g
LifespanAdults 4–6 weeks; aquatic larvae 1–3 years
OrderOdonata
FamilyLibellulidae

§ Encyclopedia

A dragonfly is a flying insect belonging to the infraorder Anisoptera below the order Odonata. About 3,000 extant species of dragonflies are known. Most are tropical, with fewer species in temperate regions. Loss of wetland habitat threatens dragonfly populations around the world. Adult dragonflies are characterised by a pair of large, multifaceted, compound eyes, two pairs of strong, transparent wings, sometimes with coloured patches, and an elongated body. Many dragonflies have brilliant iridescent or metallic colours produced by structural coloration, making them conspicuous in flight. An adult dragonfly's compound eyes have nearly 24,000 ommatidia each.

Source: Wikipedia — Dragonfly Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Males: chalky white-pruinose abdomen with broad dark wing patches. Females: mottled brown with three dark patches on each wing.

Similar species. Twelve-spotted Skimmer (similar pattern; white spots between dark patches in males). Eight-spotted Skimmer (different wing pattern).

Voice. N/A

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Adults: small flying insects. Larvae: aquatic invertebrates.

Behavior. Among the most common pond and stream dragonflies in North America. Males have stunning chalky-white pruinose abdomen and dark wing patches; females mottled brown without white. Highly visible — males patrol territory at pond edges and chase off rivals. Often perches on vegetation; less wary of humans than many dragonflies.

§ Range

Across North America

§ Habitat

Pond, lake edges

§ Threats

Wetland loss.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the dragonfly (common whitetail) is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Maintain pond habitats. Skip pesticides.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Odonata Central
  • iNaturalist
  • BugGuide