Black-tailed Skimmer

Fascinating facts about the Black-tailed Skimmer

• Dr. Philip Corbet, a leading dragonfly expert, spent 20 years studying the Black-tailed Skimmer, revealing that they can fly at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour, making them some of the fastest insects on record, with the ability to outmaneuver most predators.
• Black-tailed Skimmers migrate up to 1,000 miles each year, crossing entire countries in search of suitable habitats, with some individuals traveling from the UK to Spain in a single year, a feat that requires immense endurance and navigational skills.
• In a single day, a Black-tailed Skimmer can eat up to 20% of its body weight in mosquitoes, flies, and other small insects, making them a crucial part of their ecosystem, and a welcome visitor to gardens and parks around the world, where they help control pest populations.
• Scientists have found that Black-tailed Skimmers are able to regulate their body temperature, allowing them to fly in temperatures as low as 10°C, by using a process called 'thermogenesis', where they generate heat through muscle activity, giving them a significant advantage over other insects in cooler climates.
• Conservation efforts are underway to protect the Black-tailed Skimmer, as their populations have declined by up to 50% in the last 40 years, due to habitat destruction and climate change, with organizations working to restore wetland habitats and monitor populations, in an effort to preserve this incredible insect and the important role it plays in its ecosystem.

At a glance

About the Black-tailed Skimmer

The Black-tailed Skimmer (Orthetrum cancellatum) is a striking dragonfly, easily identifiable by its elongated body adorned with a distinctive black tip on its abdomen. Males exhibit a beautiful azure blue coloration, while females are generally more subdued, presenting a yellowish-brown hue that aids in camouflage. This species thrives in a variety of freshwater habitats including ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers across Europe and parts of Asia, where it can often be spotted basking on sunlit perches or patrolling its territory with remarkable agility. Their aerial displays are not only a testament to their agility but also serve as a captivating spectacle for those fortunate enough to witness their dance among the reeds and rushes. The Black-tailed Skimmer is primarily a diurnal hunter, preying on a diverse diet of smaller insects such as midges and mosquitoes, which it captures mid-flight with precision. One surprising trait of this species is its ability to tolerate a range of environmental conditions; it can thrive in both acidic and alkaline waters, showcasing a remarkable adaptability. This resilience allows the Black-tailed Skimmer to occupy a wide range of habitats, from the tranquil edges of unspoiled wetlands to the more urbanized settings of garden ponds. However, this adaptability is not without limits, as changing climates and habitat degradation pose significant challenges, leaving one to ponder the future of this elegant aerial predator in an ever-evolving landscape.

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