The Keeled Skimmer, Orthetrum coerulescens, is a species of European dragonfly.
This species resembles the Black-tailed Skimmer but is slimmer and the male has no black tip. Females and immature males lack the black abdominal pattern. The pterostigma is orange and the thorax usually bears pale stripes. It breeds mainly in peat bogs and flies (in the UK) from June to September.
Behaviour
This Dragonfly is quite rare, but locally common. It's typical habitat is acidic heath land, where it is often seen alongside Golden-Ringed Dragonflies. Their flight is quite skittish, with frequent hovering, and they land often. They can fly quite a distance from water, despite their seemingly weak flight. When they perch, the wings are held forward.
See also
|
