Common Whitetail

Description:

The common whitetail dragonfly has four hyaline wings that have patterns of black and white spots along their length. The wingspan is about 2 ¾ inches across. The whitetail’s wings can beat at different speeds. It can also hold them at different angles. This enables the whitetail to fly forward, backward, sideways and even hover like a helicopter!

Habitat:

This species is found through most of the U. S. except for the desert Southwest, where it is replaced by the Desert Whitetail, Libellula subornata. In Idaho, it can be found throughout the state at lower elevations. This dragonfly can be found near weedy, warm-water ponds and lakes.

Notes:

Found this dragonfly living near my pond in my backyard...