Thursday 12 July 2012

Black-tailed Skimmer

Another dragonfly post I am afraid. This time of year does see the `disappearance` of birds as they start their moult after the wearing business of breeding and so I am only really on the look out for insects when I go anywhere. There have been very few butterflies of any note so far this year, this may change, but I have seen a few dragonflies with the Black-tailed Skimmer being another species in good numbers at my local gravel pits at Maxey.

The photos below show the male form of this skimmer. The blue abdomen with a black tip has yellow spots along the side, the female has a yellow abdomen with two prominent longitudinal black bands on the upper surface. Males of this species can have territories of over 50metres and can be very aggressive towards other males, indeed I saw the individual pictured `chase` at least one other Black-tailed Skimmer, a couple of Four-spotted Chasers and even an Emperor! A dragonfly that is normally on the wing until early August.




16 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Thanks Andrew, it`s nice to be able to come some sort of shot of this insect!
      J

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  2. Hi John. Another excellent series of digi-images. This species love to find a spot to soak up any warmth.

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    1. Hi Frank,
      Thank you. Yes, this one was constantly returning to his `favourite` rock where it was obviously nice and warm!
      J

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  3. Hi John,
    Wow, up close with the black-tailed skimmer. Those are neat pictures and I wonder how much they appreciate this abundance of rain we've been having.
    All the best, my friend.
    Gary

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    1. Hi Gary,
      Thank you, yes, up close and personal! ;)
      Not many insects do like this weather that we have been having, the hard rainfall actually kills them. :(
      J

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  4. Nice captures! Great info, I didn't know that Dragonflies could be territorial, very interesting!

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    1. Thanks Tammy, You learn something new everyday, or so they say!
      J

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  5. A very nice set of images John and its all part of nature so don't be afraid to post something different. We enjoy looking at your images anyway.

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    1. Thanks Roy,
      I sometimes forget how amazing all nature is in my pursuit of all things feathered!
      J

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  6. Lovely photos again John. I haven't seen much Odonata at all this time even in places where I usually see lots!

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    1. Hi Jan,
      Thank you. I haven`t seen many of these, although I haven`t seen much of anything in the insect department, except mosquitoes!
      J

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  7. Those are great pictures John.

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  8. He's a beauty! Superb photos John.

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    1. Thanks Omi! Been waiting a while to get the `blue` one! ;)
      J

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