Black-Tailed Skimmer (Orthetrum cancellatum)
A single sighting of two males in 1987 was a welcome first record of this species, which is a typical gravel pit colonist. The species now appears to be more abundant on the reserve, with counts of up to 7 in a day. The abdomen appears flattened when viewed from the side and gradually tapers towards its tip. It is normally a yellowish-brown colour with two longitudinal black lines, although in older males it is covered with a sky blue pruinescence except at the tip which is black. The adults fly typically from May to August when they are usually seen on vegetation close to or on bare sandy ground or pebble covered areas. They often move far away from water and often settle on the ground. After mating females skim the water surface depositing eggs one at a time by dipping their abdomen into the water.
Resting male Black-tailed Skimmer
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