"Dragonfly Diaries: Meeting Orthetrum cancellatum"

Hello everyone, This is my post. As I made my way back to my office after my lesson, I spotted this amazing creature dozing on the wall. The student would not disturb its sleep because it was not yet time for break, so I decided to snap a few photos to share with #photographylovers. I am referring to the Orthetrum cancellatum, or Black-tailed Skimmer.
A remarkable dragonfly, the elegant and swift Black-tailed Skimmer is commonly seen near still or slowly flowing water in Europe and some parts of Asia. Males are plainly distinguished by their powder-blue abdomens with black tips, while females are yellow-brown with striking dark markings. This species often perches on rocks or warm ground and favours sunny, open spaces. It is crucial for controlling insect populations and is a skilled hunter in the air. Watch for its swift, skimming flight on hot summer days—it is the pinnacle of the beauty of nature in motion.

Orthetrum cancellatum, also called the Black-tailed Skimmer, is a species of dragonfly that is a member of the Liliulidae family. Here is a quick synopsis:
Scientific Categorisation
Order: Odonata
Family: Libellulidae
Genus: Orthetrum
Species: Orthetrum cancellatum

Identification
Male:
pale blue abdomen with a characteristic black tip—thus the term "black-tailed."
greenish-yellow thorax.
The leading edges of the wings are lined with broad black.
Young males and females:
Two black lines run the length of the yellow-brown belly.
No blue colouring in females or in immature stages.

Distribution
widely distributed throughout North Africa, Europe, and some regions of Asia.
prefers open, sunny environments with still or slowly flowing water, like gravel pits, lakes, and ponds.

Ecology and Behaviour
A strong flyer often seen lounging on bare ground or rocks.
Males frequently perch visibly close to water because they are territorial.
The aquatic larvae, also known as nymphs, grow in the water before becoming adults.

Fun Fact
Especially in natural wetland settings, Orthetrum cancellatum is a popular subject for macro and wildlife photographers due to their vibrant colouring and active flight.

Picture : photography
Category: Insect
Camera Use : Handphone
Model : Redmi12C
Photographer: @ubglo17
Location: Shelter Afrique Extension,Uyo ,Akwa Ibom State,Nigeria.
Link to Original: Community