Common Whitetail vs Jet Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Whitetail | Jet Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Plathemis lydia | Stenus comma |
| Order | Odonata | Coleoptera |
| Family | Libellulidae | Staphylinidae |
| Size | 60-68 mm wingspan | 5-7 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | North America | Europe, Northern Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Jet Beetle
A tiny, goggle-eyed rove beetle that hunts with a remarkable extendable labium tipped with adhesive pads. It can also skim across water surfaces using a unique chemical propulsion mechanism.
Did You Know?
Stenus beetles secrete stenusine from pygidial glands, which lowers water surface tension behind them, propelling them across water at speeds up to 70 cm per second.