Favours lakes, slow rivers, ponds and occasionally marshy area, that have open water and bare patches along the shore. Patrolling males frequently rest in the sun on bare ground.

Fairly common.

Southern England, parts of Wales and Ireland.

Increasing its range northwards.

Keeled Skimmer

• Yellow pterostigma not dark.
• Males don’t have dark coloration on the abdomen.
• Females have a thin black marking down the middle of the abdomen instead of the ladder pattern.

Scarce Chaser

• Black costa not yellow.
• Males have blue eyes not green.
• Females have a black marking down the middle of the abdomen instead of the ladder pattern.