Common Whitetail vs River Jewelwing
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Whitetail | River Jewelwing |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Plathemis lydia | Calopteryx aequabilis |
| Order | Odonata | Odonata |
| Family | Libellulidae | Calopterygidae |
| Size | 60-68 mm wingspan | 42-54 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Predators | Omnivores |
| Regions | North America | North America |
| 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.
River Jewelwing
A North American damselfly with narrow dark wing tips in males and a metallic green body. It prefers faster-flowing rivers than the Ebony Jewelwing.
Did You Know?
Males have dark tips on otherwise clear wings, the reverse pattern of most other jewelwings.