The Black-tailed Skimmer (Orthetrum cancellatum) is abundant throughout its range and is one of the most commonly seen dragonflies in Europe.
They 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.

A male. Rieselfelder, Münster, North-Rhine Westphalia, Germany, 15 August 2012