Common Whitetail vs Scarce Chaser
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Whitetail | Scarce Chaser |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Plathemis lydia | Libellula fulva |
| Order | Odonata | Odonata |
| Family | Libellulidae | Libellulidae |
| Size | 60-68 mm wingspan | 55-60 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Predators | Herbivores |
| Regions | North America | Europe |
| 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.
Scarce Chaser
A medium-sized dragonfly where mature males develop a powdery blue abdomen. It is associated with clean, slow-flowing rivers with abundant marginal vegetation.
Did You Know?
Despite its name, the scarce chaser has become increasingly common in parts of Europe as water quality in rivers has improved.