Keeled Skimmer

Description

Length: 40-44mm

Flight period: June to September (occasionally May)

The abdomen appears quite slim and has a pronounced dorsal keel. The wings have a straw yellow costa and yellow or brown pterostigma. At rest, the wings are often held well forward. The thorax has pale yellow ante-humeral stripes which fade with age in the male.

Male: develops a blue pruinescence over the whole length of the abdomen. Its eyes are blue-grey.

Female: has a pale, yellowish-brown abdomen with a medial black line.

Where to See

Latin NameOrthetrum coerulescens
Habitat

Pools and streams in wet heathland sites are favoured. May be found resting low in heather at such sites.

Status & Distribution

Locally common. Patchy distribution, mainly western Britain and Ireland.

Similar Species

Could be confused with Black-tailed Skimmer or Scarce Chaser.

Species GroupDragonflies
Family
Identification Notes
  • The abdomen appears quite slim and has a pronounced dorsal keel. At rest, the wings are often held well forward. Males develop a blue pruinescence over the whole length of the abdomen. Eyes are blue-grey. Females have a pale, yellowish-brown abdomen with a central black line.
  • Found near pools and streams at wet heathland sites mainly in western Britain and Ireland.
  • Length: 40-44mm
  • May – September

Similar Species

Golden-ringed Dragonfly
Emperor Dragonfly
Norfolk Hawker