Common Whitetail (female)

Description:

Large brown dragonfly whose translucent wings have broad brownish-black band. While both Females and juvenile males have brown bodies, the pattern on the wings indicate this is a female. (Mature males have white abdomens.) "They can reach ranging from 1.5-1.9 inches."

Habitat:

"These common dragonflies can be found along ponds, lakes and slow moving streams. " This one was seen in our suburban backyard which has no such water sources. We must have many small pools of water about, however, because the mosquitoes are plentiful. I assume that is what attracted the dragonfly to the yard.

Notes:

According to Wikipedia "Some authorities classify the whitetails, including the Common Whitetail, in genus Libellula rather than Plathemis. This matter has been debated at least since the end of the nineteenth century. Recent molecular systematics evidence suggests that separation of the whitetails from the rest of Libellula may be appropriate."