Black-tailed Skimmer Orthetrum cancellatum

Status | Photos | Distribution Maps 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. Exuvia 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. <Previous Species | Species Index | Next Species>

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