Common Whitetail

The subject is identified as a mature male Common Whitetail dragonfly based on its highly distinctive features. The broad, dark, irregular bands across the middle of all four wings, combined with the solid, pale blue-white pruinose abdomen, are diagnostic for this species and sex. Other similar skimmers, like the Twelve-spotted Skimmer, have a different pattern of wing spots rather than a single large band.

Field notes

Do they all have see-through wings?

Overview

The common whitetail or long-tailed skimmer is a common dragonfly across much of North America, with a striking and unusual appearance. The male's chunky white body, combined with the brownish-black bands on its otherwise translucent wings, give it a checkered look. Females have a brown body and a different pattern of wing spots, closely resembling that of female Libellula pulchella, the twelve-spotted skimmer. Whitetail females can be distinguished by their smaller size, shorter bodies, and white zigzag abdominal stripes; the abdominal stripes of L. puchella are straight and yellow.

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Observation

Observed

July, 7:53 PM

Shared

July 21, 2026

Also known as

Common Whitetail

Common Whitetail Or Long-tailed Skimmer

Taxonomy

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Arthropoda

Class

Insecta

Order

Odonata

Family

Libellulidae

Genus

Plathemis

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