Crocothemis nigrifrons (Kirby, 1894))

BLACK-HEADED SKIMMER

Family Libellulidae

Crocothemis nigrifronsA male Black-headed Skimmer at a wetland near Red Rock NSW on November 11th 2011

The Black-headed Skimmer is not frequently encountered but it is a widespread species . In NE NSW I have seen them at swampy land in Red Rock, The Blue Hole (an old dam) near Armidale, a pool in Coffs Harbour and along the Bellinger River at Thora.

Agrionoptera insignis allogenesA male Black-headed Skimmer at a wetland near Red Rock,
NSW on March 28th 2012
Red SwampdragonA male Black-headed Skimmer at the Bellinger River Thora,
NSWon December 16th 2014
A female Black-headed Skimmer at a wetland near Red Rock,
NSW on March 29th 2012

The female can be pale in colour or have a similar blue coloured abdomen like the males, in older specimens.

A female Black-headed Skimmer at the Bellinger River Thora,
NSW on March 10th 2015