The Black-tailed Skimmer (Orthetrum cancellatum) is abundant throughout its range and is one of the most commonly seen dragonflies in Europe.
These dragonflies fly swift and low, skimming the water surface.
Males develop a blue pruinescence on the abdomen darkening to the rear with the end segments (S8-S10) becoming black.
Its eyes are very dark green.
Immature males and females are pale, yellowish brown and have two bold lines running along the length of the abdomen.
The wings have a yellow costa and a very dark brown or black pterostigma.

1st & 2nd photo: A female. De Snip, Hilversum, The Netherlands, 18 June 2013
3rd photo: A male. Bovenmeent, Hilversum, The Netherlands, 23 July 2010
4th photo: A male. Naardermeer, The Netherlands, 22 August 2016
5th photo: A female. Oostvaardersplassen, The Netherlands, 28 June 2016