Skimmers

Skimmers are the largest and most varied group of dragonflies, including the common darters, chasers, and hawkers often seen near British ponds and waterways. They usually have strong, sturdy bodies and wide wings that are often patterned and held flat when resting. Males often have bright colours like red, blue, and yellow, while females usually have more muted browns and yellows, although this can vary a lot within the group. These dragonflies prefer still or slow-moving freshwater areas such as ponds, lakes, canals, and ditches. Adult males are often territorial, perching in clear spots on plants or bare ground and making regular patrol flights from their chosen places. There is a lot of variety in their size, colour, and behaviour. What links them together is mainly the pattern of veins in their wings and their reproductive features, rather than obvious traits that you can easily spot in the field.