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Black-tailed Skimmer
Insects diurnal

Black-tailed Skimmer

Orthetrum cancellatum

The Black-tailed Skimmer is the undisputed king of the basking stone, known for its striking blue-and-black palette and its fearless, low-altitude patrols. A master of the sun-drenched shoreline, it is a fascinating addition to any backyard pond ecosystem.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Body length of 47–53 mm (1.8–2.1 in) with a wingspan ranging from 77–85 mm (3.0–3.3 in).

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Colors

Adult males have a powder-blue (pruinose) abdomen with a prominent black tip (segments 8-10). Females and immature males are yellowish-brown with two distinct black longitudinal stripes running down the abdomen.

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Key Features

  • Pale blue abdomen with a solid black tip (males)
  • Two parallel black stripes on a golden-yellow abdomen (females)
  • Clear wings with no dark patches at the base
  • Frequent habit of perching flat on bare ground or stones
  • Large, dark compound eyes that touch in the center

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern diurnal
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Peak hours 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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Season May-August
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Diet A voracious aerial predator that feeds on a variety of flying insects, including flies, mosquitoes, midges, and occasionally smaller species of damselflies or dragonflies.
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Habitat Large open bodies of water such as ponds, lakes, and gravel pits, particularly those with sparse vegetation and plenty of bare, sun-exposed shorelines.

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Behavior

The Black-tailed Skimmer is a powerful and highly territorial dragonfly often seen patrolling the margins of lakes and ponds. Unlike many other dragonflies that prefer to perch on vertical reeds or twigs, this species is named for its habit of 'skimming' low over the water and frequently landing on bare earth, gravel, or sun-warmed stones. Males are particularly aggressive, frequently chasing off rivals and even larger dragonfly species to protect their preferred basking spots.

During the heat of the day, they are incredibly active, using their exceptional eyesight to spot both mates and prey. When they aren't hunting, they spend significant time 'obelisking' on hot days—pointing their abdomen toward the sun to minimize surface area and prevent overheating. They are generally indifferent to humans unless approached too quickly, making them excellent subjects for backyard observation if you have a garden pond.

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Camera Tips

To capture the Black-tailed Skimmer on camera, you must understand their perching preferences. Unlike hawkers that stay airborne, skimmers love flat surfaces. Place your camera near a sun-drenched garden path, a flat stone at the edge of a pond, or even a wooden deck. Because they are 'central place' foragers, they will often return to the exact same stone or patch of bare earth every few minutes after a patrol flight. Set your camera on a tripod at a very low angle—just a few inches off the ground—to capture their profile against the water or sky.

If you are using an AI-powered trail camera or a high-end smart feeder camera, positioning is everything. Aim the lens at a 'landing pad' you’ve created—a large, flat, dark-colored rock is ideal as it absorbs heat. Ensure there are no swaying blades of grass in the foreground that might accidentally trigger the PIR sensor. For settings, a fast shutter speed (at least 1/1000s) is necessary to freeze their wing motion, and a mid-range aperture (f/8) will help keep the entire length of the abdomen in focus.

Since these dragonflies are most active in full, direct sunlight, avoid placing cameras in shaded areas. The best footage is captured between late morning and mid-afternoon. If your camera has a 'time-lapse' mode, this can be an effective way to monitor a basking stone without relying solely on motion triggers, which can sometimes struggle with the small, fast movements of insects. No chemical lures or baits are effective for dragonflies, but providing the 'hottest' rock in the yard is the best way to guarantee a visit.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Black-tailed Skimmer.

Keeled Skimmer

Smaller and slimmer than the Black-tailed; the male's abdomen is blue all the way to the tip without the bold black segments.

Broad-bodied Chaser

Much broader, flatter abdomen and distinctive dark brown patches at the base of all four wings.

Southern Skimmer

The male has an entirely blue abdomen and lacks the black tip; the eyes are typically a lighter blue-grey.

Frequently Asked Questions

They are most active during the hottest parts of the day, typically between 10 AM and 4 PM, when the sun is at its peak and their flight muscles are most efficient.
The best way to attract them is to provide a garden pond with open, sunny banks. Placing flat, dark stones or keeping a patch of bare, sandy soil near the water's edge provides them with the perfect basking spots they crave.
They are carnivorous hunters that eat almost any flying insect they can catch, including mosquitoes, gnats, and small flies. They are excellent for natural pest control in gardens.
Yes, they are quite adaptable and frequently move into suburban gardens, especially if there are nearby lakes, canals, or well-maintained garden ponds with plenty of sunlight.
The Black-tailed Skimmer is larger and has a distinct black tip on the last three segments of the abdomen. The Keeled Skimmer lacks this large black tip and has a more uniform blue color and thinner body.

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