©Philip Precey
Keeled skimmer
Scientific name: Orthetrum coerulescens
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.
Species information
Statistics
Length: 4.0-4.4cmConservation status
Common.
When to see
June to SeptemberAbout
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.How to identify
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.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.