Helicopter Dragonfly vs Common Whitetail
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Helicopter Dragonfly | Common Whitetail |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Mecistogaster linearis | Plathemis lydia |
| Order | Odonata | Odonata |
| Family | Pseudostigmatidae | Libellulidae |
| Size | 80 mm body, 100 mm wingspan | 60-68 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Forests | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Central America, South America | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Helicopter Dragonfly
A forest giant damselfly that plucks spiders from their webs while hovering.
Did You Know?
Females oviposit into water-filled bromeliads and tree holes in the canopy.
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.