Common whitetail vs Widow skimmer
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell a common whitetail from a widow skimmer, and whether either one bites or stings.
Common whitetail
Plathemis lydia
Widow skimmer
Libellula luctuosa
≠The key differences
Widow skimmer males have dark color covering the whole inner third of each wing (not a separate mid-wing band) followed by a white band, and a slimmer, bluish-gray abdomen.
Both males develop a white abdomen, but L. lydia has different wing markings and body shape; widow skimmer has broader black wing bases and a prominent white wing band.
⚖︎Side by side
| Common whitetail | Widow skimmer | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Non-toxic | Non-toxic |
| Size | wingspan 6-8 cm, body length 35-45 mm | Body length 40-55 mm; wingspan about 80-95 mm |
| Colours | Powdery white, Dark brown, Tan, Clear/transparent | Black, White, Brown, Yellow, Pale blue-grey (pruinescence) |
| Family | Libellulidae | Libellulidae |
| Habitat | Ponds, marshes, slow streams, ditches and other still or slow-moving freshwater with nearby perches and emergent vegetation | Still or slow-moving freshwater: ponds, marshy lakeshores, oxbow lakes, slow streams with emergent vegetation and open perches nearby. |
| Range | Widespread across much of the United States and southern Canada; also found in parts of northern Mexico | Widespread across much of the United States and southern Canada; ranges from southern Canada south through much of the U.S., less common in far western arid regions. |
| Active | Late spring through early fall (varies by latitude); most active during warm daylight hours | Mainly spring through late summer; most active during warm daylight hours. |
| 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 widow skimmer
- Look for broad dark patches covering the inner half of each wing; in mature males these are followed by a white band.
- Males have a powdery white (pruinescent) abdomen that obscures earlier markings; females are brown with yellow lateral markings.
- Perches openly on exposed twigs, posts or vegetation near water; wings held flat at rest typical of skimmers.
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a common whitetail and a widow skimmer?
Widow skimmer males have dark color covering the whole inner third of each wing (not a separate mid-wing band) followed by a white band, and a slimmer, bluish-gray abdomen. Both males develop a white abdomen, but L. lydia has different wing markings and body shape; widow skimmer has broader black wing bases and a prominent white wing band.
Is a common whitetail or a widow skimmer more dangerous?
Common whitetail: Non-toxic. Widow skimmer: Non-toxic. Common whitetails are not venomous and pose no medical threat. Widow skimmers are not venomous and do not pose a medical threat.
Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.