Common Whitetail (Plathemis lydia)

Statewide and common in NC. This is one of the most commonly observed dragonflies perching on wide trails/roads when one is out hiking.
Common Whitetail (Plathemis lydia) Common Whitetail (Plathemis lydia)
Orange Co., NC
2 Aug 2005

Males are easily identified by the white "tails" and wide dark bars in the middle of the wings.

Common Whitetail (Plathemis lydia) Common Whitetail (Plathemis lydia)
Orange Co., NC
2 Aug 2005

Common Whitetails will perch vertically from twigs or horizontally on the ground, logs, leaves, etc.


Common Whitetail (Plathemis lydia) Common Whitetail (Plathemis lydia)
Immature male pattern
Tyrrell Co., NC
21 June 2003
Immature male pattern
Orange Co., NC
4 Apr 2007

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Created on ... July 13, 2003 | Updated on ... March 6, 2007 | jspippen@duke.edu