Common Pond Skater vs Common Whitetail
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Pond Skater | Common Whitetail |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Aquarius najas | Plathemis lydia |
| Order | Hemiptera | Odonata |
| Family | Gerridae | Libellulidae |
| Size | 14-17 mm | 60-68 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Europe | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Common Pond Skater
A large, elongate water strider that glides across the surface of flowing rivers and large ponds. It is one of the biggest European gerrid species with a dark brown body.
Did You Know?
Pond skaters communicate with potential mates and rivals by generating specific ripple patterns on the water surface, essentially sending coded messages across the water.
Common Whitetail
A stocky dragonfly where mature males sport a chalky white abdomen and dark wing bands. It is one of the most frequently observed dragonflies in North America.
Did You Know?
Male common whitetails are extremely aggressive and will attack and chase away dragonflies much larger than themselves from their territories.