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Orthetrum cancellatum
The black-tailed skimmer, Orthetrum cancellatum, is a dragonfly of Europe and Asia. It occurs nearly all of Europe except northern UK and Scandinavia; to the east, the range extends to Kashmir and Mongolia. The adult male has a blue abdomen with a black tip and transparent wings, and the female has a yellow (later: brown) body with black bands along the abdomen and transparent wings. Even the immature males look that way.
This dragonfly is found at any open water with bare patches along the shore where the patrolling males frequently rest in the sun. Also near slow-flowing waters. Favors lakes, slow rivers, ponds and sometimes marshy area, without dense riparian vegetation. Females are less bold and not encountered as regularly. Adults prefer to perch on bare ground and rocks.
Photos taken @ Modrac Lake near Bikoze, Bosnia & Herzegovina.
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