Common Whitetail Skimmer - female

Description:

Common Whitetails are often seen resting on objects near the water, and sometimes on the ground. Adults feed on mosquitoes and other small flying insects. Nymphs feed on aquatic invertebrates such as mayfly larvae and small crayfish, and also on small aquatic vertebrates such as tadpoles and minnows. Because of their abundance, whitetail naiads are in turn an important food source for various fish, frogs, and birds, and also for other aquatic insects.

Habitat:

Most of North America. Ponds, lakes, marshes, streams. Adults can be found in areas away from water.