Black-tailed Skimmer Orthetrum cancellatum
Length
50mm, Wings 78mm
Males
Thorax black, no antehumeral stripes; Abdomen top is blue with yellow spots towards sides, black tip; legs black.
Females
All yellow with 2 black bands on upper surface abdomen.
Gallery
Habitat
Prefers lakes, ponds, gravel workings, slow rivers or marshes, with exposed mud, stones or bare patches where the male can perch.
Behavior
Brief mating, female lays eggs unattended. Larvae 2-3 years.
Status
VC61 – A recent colonist to the area. Can be seen well at North Cave Wetlands were conditions are currently ideal for this species, however it may become less favorable as the site matures. Appears to be probably breeding at Tophill Low as numbers have increased over the last few years, though it is difficult to locate. Recorded with some regularity at Spurn with first records in 2004 from Welton Waters and Paull Holme Strays.
Flight Period
Nationally the flight period is from mid-May to late August.
Recorded at the Following Featured Locations
View the latest sightings for this species.
- Walton Colliery Nature Park
- Pugneys Country Park
- Nosterfield Local Nature Reserve
- Fairburn Ings
- High Batts Nature Reserve
- Ellington Banks MoD Training Area
- Johnny Brown's Common
- Potteric Carr
- Spurn Point
- Skipwith Common
- Saltmarshe Delph
- Pulfin and High Eske Nature Reserve
- Oak Road Lake, Hull
- North Cave Wetlands
- Hornsea Mere
- Filey Dams
- Eastrington Ponds
- Broomfleet Washlands
- Bransholme Fishing Lake, East Hull
- Tophill Low Nature Reserve