Common Whitetail or Long-tailed Skimmer (Plathemis lydia)

A female dragonfly resting on a branch in the backyard.

comments (5)

Ferdy Christant

Lion

There simply is no end to dragonfly species. Awesome introduction! Posted 11 years ago
1. Deb Cappello
  
  Snow Leopard
  
  Thanks Ferdy! This is the first picture I have ever taken of a dragonfly. I see them but I have not been able to capture one with my camera until now. They are fascinating up close! Posted 11 years ago
2. 1. Ferdy Christant
    
    Lion
    
    Yes they are, and indeed they can be quite active. A few general tips:
    - They are easily chased away, but often return to the exact same spot. Don't run after them
    - As with most insects, don't break their light
    - Best situation is to find them when they're cold. Harder to spot but they won't move Posted 11 years ago
  2. 1. Deb Cappello
      
      Snow Leopard
      
      You are exactly right! I watched her for quite a while and she kept landing on the same branch so I hunkered down and waited for her to return, making sure I wasn't blocking her sunlight! Sound like you have some experience at this Ferdy! Posted 11 years ago
    2. 1. Ferdy Christant
        
        Lion
        
        I do :) During summer I regularly visit a small pond close to my home where they reside. The only tip I do not follow-up upon is finding them when they're cold, I'm just not a morning person.
        
        I take great fun in learning the specific behavior of subjects. It's also very much a necessity in macro photography. I learn by failing often, mostly :) Posted 11 years ago

The Common Whitetail

The Common Whitetail is a common dragonfly across much of North America, with a striking and unusual appearance. The male's chunky white body, combined with the brownish-black bands on its otherwise translucent wings, give it a checkered look. Females have a brown body and a different pattern of wing spots, closely resembling that of female "Libellula pulchella", the Twelve-spotted Skimmer.

Info 20 0

Similar species: Dragonflies And Damselflies

Species identified by Deb Cappello

By Deb Cappello

Uploaded Sep 8, 2014. Captured Feb 2, 2015 17:48 in 131-133 Grand Army of the Republic Highway, Kane, PA 16735, USA.

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Canon PowerShot A1000 IS
f/2.7
1/501s
ISO100
6.2mm

Captured in the winter. More winter photos.