Black-tailed Skimmer (Orthetrum Cancellatum) Teneral Male in Whiteley Woods

Black-tailed Skimmer Dragonflies are a good example of the dramatic change in appearance from teneral to fully mature males. Once mature this mostly yellow teneral will have a bright blue abdomen, changing to black for about the last half inch. The thorax will also darken to a very dark green. Several species that are not resident (don't breed) in Whiteley Woods spend their first month or so here, honing their flying and hunting skills, until they attain full adult colours, when they will return to their place of birth, hopefully to breed.

Surrey Whiteley Woods Dragonflies Black-tailed Skimmer Teneral Immature Adult Whiteley Village Surrey

ImageID:1220155, Image size: 4656 x 3104 pixels

This image is available to purchase and is part of our Whiteley Village Stock Photos Collection.