Orthetrum albistylum (White-tailed Skimmer)

The books suggest that these are difficult to distinguish from Orthetrum cancellatum (the Black-tailed Skimmer) though, once seen, I’m not certain they are. O. albistylum males are generally a noticeably paler blue and more lightly built.

If you find our pruinose dragonflies a little confusing, here is an id/comparison chart to help.

Id Notes

  • ♂ – white anal appendages; ♀ – white S10 & appendages
  • black pterostigma
  • mature ♂ – pruinose abdomen with black tip
  • mature ♂ – pale bands on side of thorax
  • dorsally pale over thorax and between wing roots
male
female
in cop

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