Common Whitetail vs Warble Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Whitetail | Warble Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Plathemis lydia | Hypoderma bovis |
| Order | Odonata | Diptera |
| Family | Libellulidae | Oestridae |
| Size | 60-68 mm wingspan | 13-15 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Farmland |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | North America | Europe, Asia, 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.
Warble Fly
A large, hairy bee-like fly whose larvae migrate through the bodies of cattle for months before emerging from cysts in the back. Adults have vestigial mouthparts and cannot feed.
Did You Know?
The buzzing of a single warble fly approaching can cause an entire herd of cattle to stampede in panic, a behavior called gadding.