Black-tailed Skimmer

Favours lakes, slow rivers, ponds and occasionally marshy area, that have open water and bare patches along the shore. Patrolling males frequently rest in the sun on bare ground.

Fairly common.

Southern England, parts of Wales and Ireland.

Increasing its range northwards.

Keeled Skimmer

• Yellow pterostigma not dark.
• Males don’t have dark coloration on the abdomen.
• Females have a thin black marking down the middle of the abdomen instead of two down the sides.

Scarce Chaser

• Black costa not yellow.
• Males have blue eyes not green.
• Females have a black marking down the middle of the abdomen instead of two down the sides.

• Length: 44-49 mm
• Wings have a yellow costa (leading wing vein).
• Very dark brown or black pterostigma (wing spots).
• Males: blue abdomen darkening to the rear with S8-10 becoming black, and dark green eyes.
• Females and immature males: pale, yellowish brown with two bold lines running along the length of the abdomen. Females become greyish brown with age.
• They fly swift and low, skimming the water surface.