The Whitefaces are small dark dragonflies with a white face and small dark patch at the base of the hindwings. Juveniles and adults have different colors, which further complicates an already-difficult-to-identify group. Five species occur in Wisconsin and are best separated by (1) patterns of wing venation, and (2) shape of the abdominal top spots, especially in females and juveniles. Adult male Dot-taileds are distinctive with their white faces and singular yellow "dot" on an otherwise black abdomen. Juveniles show a black abdomen with yellow spots as in other whitefaces but their yellow top-spots are irregular in shape and the last (on segment 7) is a square. This is a common species found at marshy ponds and slow streams all over Wisconsin.