David Element's Wildlife Web Page Dragonflies and Damselflies 9

David Element

Wildlife Photography

and Digital Video Images

____________Dragonflies and Damselflies 9

BRILLIANT EMERALD Somatochlora metallica (m)

BLACK-TAILED SKIMMER Orthetrum cancellatum (TENERAL)

BLACK-TAILED SKIMMERS Orthetrum cancellatum (f & m)

COMMON DARTER Sympetrum striolatum (m)

The Brilliant Emerald is a beautiful metallic green dragonfly with a strange distribution. There are two entirely separate ranges in south east England and the Highlands of Scotland. This species is difficult to photograph as it has a tendency to roost in inaccessible or well camouflaged locations, typically settling on pine or heather. In the south this species is most likely to be confused with the very similar Downy Emerald (see Dragonflies and Damselflies 2), although the Brilliant Emerald is generally a brighter, shinier green. In Scotland there is further possible confusion with the Northern Emerald (not illustrated).

The Black-Tailed Skimmer (see also Dragonflies and Damselflies 10) is an increasingly common southern species which appears to be extending its range. Gravel pits are a favoured habitat and this dragonfly frequently settles either on dry mud, gravel or logs alongside the water's edge. Teneral (freshly emerged) males closely resemble the pristine female - see Dragonflies and Damselflies 21. The blue colouration develops as they mature. Female Black-tailed Skimmers acquire a dirty brown colouration as they age, bearing very little similarity to the striking black and yellow pattern of the teneral insect. This species is capable of taking quite substantial prey items including damselflies.

The Common Darter is an abundant insect found throughout most of the British Isles. It is often the last dragonfly on the wing in late Autumn. There is ongoing dispute about the differentiation between this species and the very similar (and possibly genetically identical) Highland Darter - see Dragonflies and Damselflies 18 which is found in Scotland and Ireland. This will hopefully be settled by DNA analysis. All of the above series of photographs of this species illustrate aspects of reproductive behaviour.