Keeled skimmer

Keeled Skimmer

©Philip Precey

Keeled skimmer

The Keeled skimmer is a dragonfly of heaths and commons with shallow pools. It has a skittish and weak flight, and is on the wing in summer and early autumn.

Enw gwyddonol

Orthetrum coerulescens

Pryd i'w gweld

June to September

Gwybodaeth am rywogaethau

Ystadegau

Length: 4.0-4.4cm
Common.

Ynghylch

The Keeled skimmer is a medium-sized dragonfly. It is locally common in some areas of the UK, but has a patchy distribution. It can mainly be found on heaths and commons with shallow pools, and is on the wing from June to September. Keeled skimmers are quite skittish in flight, and can be seen quite a distance from water.

Sut i'w hadnabod

The Keeled skimmer is slimmer than the similar Black-tailed skimmer. Males are pale blue, with grey-blue eyes; females are yellowy-brown with a black line down the middle.

Dosbarthiad

Widespread, but patchy distribution.

In our area

Keeled Skimmer have never been common in Montgomeryshire and they are appear to be restricted to the western side of the county. Look out for them in acid, boggy habitats, usually where Sphagnum moss grows. Llyn Mawr and Glaslyn Nature Reserves are a great place to look. Please do let us know if you see one.

Roeddech chi yn gwybod?

Keeled skimmers can be found resting low to the ground among the heather of their heathland homes. They sit with their wings held well forward.

Keeled Skimmer have never been common in Montgomeryshire and they are appear to be restricted to the western side of the county. Look out for them in acid, boggy habitats, usually where Sphagnum moss grows. Llyn Mawr and Glaslyn Nature Reserves are a great place to look. Please do let us know if you see one.