Common Whitetail
Plathemis lydia
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Odonata
- Suborder: Anisoptera
- Family: Libellulidae
- Genus: Plathemis
- Species: lydia
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Plathemis lydia: //pləˈθiːmɪs ˈlɪdiə//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Plathemis lydia, the common whitetail, is a common dragonfly species distinguished by the male's striking appearance and aggressive territorial behavior. Females are more cryptic and have different wing patterns. Found throughout much of North America, they play significant roles in local ecosystems as both predators and prey.
Physical Characteristics
Males: Short, stout abdomen completely chalky blue-white; differs from immature males and females in wing patterns. Females: Short, stout abdomen with oblique dorsolateral white or pale yellow markings on a brown background; three black evenly-spaced blotches on wings. Overall size about 5 cm (2 inches).
Identification Tips
Males can be distinguished by the chalky blue color and distinct wing patterns. Females have brown bodies with zigzag white abdominal stripes, and can be confused with female Libellula pulchella, which has straight yellow stripes.
Habitat
Ponds, lakes, marshes, streams; adults may also be found some distance from water.
Distribution
Found across the 48 contiguous states of the USA and southward into Mexico, as well as in British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia in Canada.
Diet
Adults feed on flying insects.
Life Cycle
The life cycle includes aquatic larvae or nymphs with high mortality rates (up to 99.9%); adults live for only a handful of weeks.
Reproduction
Females oviposit in water or vegetation, typically preferring midday for egg deposition. Males defend territories to attract females.
Predators
Various fish, frogs, birds, and other aquatic insects target the nymphs as prey.
Ecosystem Role
Important predator of flying insects and serves as prey for larger animals during both the nymph and adult stages.
Evolution
Debate exists regarding the classification of the species within the genus, with recent molecular data suggesting a potential reassignment from Libellula to Plathemis.
Similar Taxa
Tags
- dragonfly
- Plathemis lydia
- Common Whitetail
- Odonata
- Libellulidae