Black Tailed Skimmer (Orthetrum cancellatum)

Black Tailed Skimmer

This is a mid summer species which emerges in June & can be seen in flight into August.

This skimmer is one of four blue dragonflies that occur in the UK. It could be confused with a Scarce Chaser but lacks the patches at the bases of the rear wings. In addition the Broad Body Chaser has a wider abdomen & the Keeled Skimmer is smaller in size.

It is predominently a still water species but can be seen over slow flowing rivers & canals.

This dragonfly is fond of resting on patches of open ground and can be tricky to approach.

On very hot days they tend to perch on water side vegetation and in these circumstances a stealthy approach can lead to some fine close up images.