Black-tailed Skimmer,

Description: The Black-tailed Skimmer is a medium-sized dragonfly characterized by its distinctive black abdomen, which gives it its name. Males have a blue abdomen with a black tip, while females have a yellowish-brown abdomen with black markings. Their wings are clear, and they have a wingspan of about 70-80 mm.

Habitat: Black-tailed Skimmers are commonly found near still or slow-moving water bodies such as ponds, lakes, ditches, and canals. They prefer areas with emergent vegetation and plenty of open space for hunting.

Behaviour: These dragonflies are active predators, feeding on a variety of small insects including mosquitoes, flies, and other flying insects. They are often seen patrolling their territory and perching on exposed vegetation or the ground.

Breeding: Breeding typically occurs in the summer months. Females lay their eggs in the water, often by dipping the tip of their abdomen onto the surface while in flight. The eggs hatch into aquatic nymphs, which spend several months to a few years living underwater before emerging as adult dragonflies.

Distribution: The Black-tailed Skimmer is widespread across Europe and parts of Asia. In the UK, it is commonly found throughout England, Wales, and southern Scotland, particularly in lowland areas with suitable freshwater habitats.

Conservation: Black-tailed Skimmers are generally not considered threatened, although like many other dragonfly species, they may be affected by habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. Conservation efforts to protect their freshwater habitats and maintain water quality can benefit populations of this species.

Observing Black-tailed Skimmers in their natural habitat can be a rewarding experience, as they contribute to the biodiversity and ecological balance of freshwater ecosystems.