Whitetails
Plathemis
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Odonata
- Suborder: Anisoptera
- Family: Libellulidae
- Genus: Plathemis
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Plathemis: //ˈplæθɛmɪs//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Plathemis lydia, known as the common whitetail or long-tailed skimmer, is a dragonfly species prevalent in North America, recognized for its unique physical appearance and behaviors related to territory and mating.
Physical Characteristics
Males have a chunky white body about 5 cm long with brownish-black bands on translucent wings; females have a brown body with a different wing spot pattern and white zigzag abdominal stripes.
Identification Tips
Males can be distinguished by their size, white pruinescence on the abdomen, and checkered appearance; females are smaller with different wing spot patterns compared to females of similar species.
Habitat
Commonly found near ponds, marshes, and slow-moving rivers.
Distribution
Wide distribution across much of North America; absent in higher mountain regions.
Diet
Nymphs feed on aquatic invertebrates and small aquatic vertebrates, including mayfly larvae and tadpoles; adults hawk for mosquitoes and other small flying insects.
Life Cycle
Undergo a life cycle consisting of an aquatic nymph stage lasting several weeks to months followed by a short-lived adult stage.
Reproduction
Females lay eggs in suitable locations in water or vegetation; males establish territories and perform mate-guarding behavior.
Predators
Various fish, frogs, birds, and other aquatic insects target P. lydia nymphs due to their abundance.
Ecosystem Role
Play a significant role in controlling mosquito populations and serve as prey for various predators.
Evolution
Recent molecular systematic evidence suggests the separation of the whitetails from genus Libellula may be appropriate.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Some authors mistakenly classify Plathemis under the genus Libellula.
Tags
- dragonfly
- Odonata
- Plathemis lydia
- whitetails
- North America