BLACK-TAILED SKIMMER
This is a medium to large dragonfly, reaching 47 to 53mm in length. The abdomen is relatively broad and flattened in the male, but thinner in the female. The male's abdomen is a light blue with the last 2 segments coloured black. They also have yellow lateral (side), patches. The females and immature males are all yellow with wavey black lines dorsally on the abdomen. Both sexes have either a yellow or black costal vein (the leading edge of the wing).
A very common dragonfly, it can be found near any open water with bare patches along the shoreline, where the patrolling males frequently rest in the sun. They favour lakes, slow moving rivers and marshy areas. Females are much less bold and therefore are infrequently seen. June and July are the main flight periods, with the males flying low, skimming over the water surface, defending their territories. Mating can occur in flight or on the ground. The females lay their eggs alone, but the males are close by for protection. She dips her abdomen onto the water surface, and the eggs hatch after 5 to 6 weeks. The larvae live on the bottom amongst the leaf litter and debris and emerge as adults (imagoes), after 2 to 3 years.
