Black-lined Skimmer
Orthetrum cancellatum
Length 50mm

Found only S and E of line from Severn to Wash but there locally common. Mature male has blue eyes and black-tipped blue abdomen with orange-yellow spots on sides. Female and immature male yellow-brown with black lines on abdomen. Wings of both sexes clear even at base. Flies June­August. Skims low over water and frequently uses regular perch. Favours marshes, lakes and flooded gravel pits.