About Black-tailed Skimmer
A robust dragonfly with a powder-blue abdomen tipped with black in mature males. It basks flat on bare ground and gravel banks beside open water.
Did You Know?
Unlike most dragonflies, it prefers to rest flat on the ground rather than perching on vegetation.
How to Identify Black-tailed Skimmer
Black-tailed Skimmer (Orthetrum cancellatum) belongs to the order Odonata, family Libellulidae. Adults typically measure 44-50 mm body length.
Black-tailed Skimmer Habitat
Black-tailed Skimmer is found in ponds & lakes habitats, particularly across Western Europe, Central Europe, Southern Europe. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Black-tailed Skimmer Diet and Feeding
Black-tailed Skimmer has an omnivorous diet, feeding on both plant and animal matter. This dietary flexibility allows it to exploit a wide range of food sources in its environment.
Where Is Black-tailed Skimmer Found?
Black-tailed Skimmer can be found in Western Europe, Central Europe, Southern Europe, where it inhabits ponds & lakes environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Black-tailed Skimmer can be found
Is Black-tailed Skimmer Dangerous?
Black-tailed Skimmer is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Black-tailed Skimmer Role in Nature
Black-tailed Skimmer plays a role in its ecosystem as part of the food web, serving as both consumer and prey. Insects like Black-tailed Skimmer are a vital food source for birds, bats, and other wildlife, and contribute to the overall health and balance of their environment.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Black-tailed Skimmer
What does Black-tailed Skimmer look like?
The Black-tailed Skimmer typically measures 44-50 mm body length.
Where is Black-tailed Skimmer found?
The Black-tailed Skimmer is found in Western Europe, Central Europe, Southern Europe and typically inhabits ponds & lakes environments.
What does Black-tailed Skimmer eat?
The Black-tailed Skimmer has an omnivorous diet, feeding on both plant and animal matter.
Is Black-tailed Skimmer dangerous to humans?
The Black-tailed Skimmer is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Black-tailed Skimmer?
Unlike most dragonflies, it prefers to rest flat on the ground rather than perching on vegetation.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Black-tailed Skimmer (Orthetrum cancellatum). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/black-tailed-skimmer
MLA:
"Black-tailed Skimmer." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/black-tailed-skimmer.