Common whitetail vs Twelve-spotted skimmer
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell a common whitetail from a twelve-spotted skimmer, and whether either one bites or stings.
Common whitetail
Plathemis lydia
Twelve-spotted skimmer
Libellula pulchella
≠The key differences
Twelve-spotted skimmer is larger; mature males have three dark spots on each wing separated by white spots and lack the chalky white abdomen. Females resemble female whitetails but have a continuous pale stripe along each side of the abdomen rather than a row of separate dashes.
⚖︎Side by side
| Common whitetail | Twelve-spotted skimmer | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Non-toxic | Non-toxic |
| Size | wingspan 6-8 cm, body length 35-45 mm | Body length about 50-57 mm; wingspan about 80-95 mm |
| Colours | Powdery white, Dark brown, Tan, Clear/transparent | Black, Dark brown, Pale white, Golden brown (female markings) |
| Family | Libellulidae | Libellulidae |
| Habitat | Ponds, marshes, slow streams, ditches and other still or slow-moving freshwater with nearby perches and emergent vegetation | Ponds, lakes, marshes and slow streams with open sunny areas and emergent vegetation |
| Range | Widespread across much of the United States and southern Canada; also found in parts of northern Mexico | Widespread across much of Canada and the United States; generally absent from the far north and extreme arid regions |
| Active | Late spring through early fall (varies by latitude); most active during warm daylight hours | Late spring through summer and into early autumn; most active in warm, sunny weather during the day |
| Pest? | No | No |
🔍How to spot a common whitetail
- Mature males have a strongly pruinose (powdery) white abdomen contrasted with a darker thorax.
- Females and immature males have a brown abdomen with pale side dashes and three dark spots on each wing.
- Males have a wide black band across the middle of each wing plus a dark base; overall stocky skimmer build.
- Perches on emergent vegetation or flat surfaces near still water; males often hold territory.
🔍How to spot a twelve-spotted skimmer
- Count the dark blotches: three on each wing (base, middle and tip), twelve in total across the four wings.
- Males show pale white patches between some black spots, giving a checkered black-and-white wing pattern.
- Body size medium-large (about 50-57 mm); females and immature males are browner with yellowish markings rather than the contrasty black and white of mature males.
- Habitat: look over sunny, open ponds, lakes and marsh edges where males perch on emergent vegetation or bare twigs.
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a common whitetail and a twelve-spotted skimmer?
Twelve-spotted skimmer is larger; mature males have three dark spots on each wing separated by white spots and lack the chalky white abdomen. Females resemble female whitetails but have a continuous pale stripe along each side of the abdomen rather than a row of separate dashes.
Is a common whitetail or a twelve-spotted skimmer more dangerous?
Common whitetail: Non-toxic. Twelve-spotted skimmer: Non-toxic. Common whitetails are not venomous and pose no medical threat. Twelve-spotted skimmers are not harmful to people.
Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.