Species of the genus Libellula (king skimmers) often perch on shoreline vegetation, are stout bodied, and usually have distinctive body and wing patterns.

Status-Global/State:

Global: G5     Wisconsin: S5    

Distinguishing Characteristics:

The stocky male has a pruinose white abdomen and a brown thorax. His wings have wide dark bands and small basal marks. The brown female is similar to the female twelve-spotted skimmer with 12 dark markings on the wings. The female has some white markings on its abdomen, creating a zigzag appearance down the sides. The length of the body varies from 1.7 to 1.9 inches

Description of Habitat/Range:

Common throughout United States and southern Canada, it is found at almost any non-moving or slow waters, including marshes and ponds. It seems to tolerate disturbed habitats. The common whitetails are often found in same areas as the twelve-spotted skimmers. It is widely distributed throughout Wisconsin.

Flight Season:

Mid-May to late August in Wisconsin.