Black-tailed Skimmers

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Scientific name:  Orthetrum cancellatum

Size:  Body length approx 50mm.  Wingspan up to 82mm

Distribution:  Found in most parts of England and Wales, especially in the southern counties

Months seen:  May to July

Habitat:  Ponds, lakes and slow moving rivers

Food:  Flying invertebrates

Special features:  Mature male Black-tailed Skimmers have a blue abdomen with yellow spots along the sides and the last three segments are black.  The wings have dark brown pterostigma.

The females and juvenile males have a yellow body with broad black bands along the abdomen.  Over mature females have an olive green coloured body.

Related Pages

• UK Safari Dragonfly Section
• What's Out Now?