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This genus is remarkable for the striking differences in appearance between males
and females. These are stocky skimmers with pruinose
covering a good portion their abdomen. Both species of
this genus are similar in appearance except that the Desert
Whitetail has much more pruinosity at the base of the wings
and displays a different wing patterning. Both species
have dark eyes with a dark thorax with pale yellow markings.
Whitetails are close relatives of the Corporals and king
skimmers. of muddy ponds that spend much of their time
perching on the ground and other flat substrates.
Males have spectacularly pruinose abdomens, and both sexes
display striking wing markings. One species is
common continent-wide; the other is restricted to the
southwest. Corporals and king skimmers are close relatives.
Medium size low perching. chunky species in which males have
pruinose white abdomens.
Females similar to males but have different wing patterns,
pale yellow spots on the abdomen are present in both
species, but are located at different locations on the
abdomen.
Whitetails generally can be seen perched away from water on
the ground or other flat surfaces, logs, rocks or in dirt.
It is easily observed because it generally perches out in
the open. Males can be observed perching on twigs or
sedge stems at the waters edge foraging for food or looking
for females. They have been noted to perch for long
periods of time. There habitats are generally slow moving
streams in desert regions; lakes and ponds.
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