Keeled Skimmer (Orthetrum coerulescens)

Size: - Approximate Length 42m - Wing Span 60mm

Male: - The eyes are grey blue. The thorax upper surface is dark brown with clearly defined straw coloured antehumeral stripes. The long slender abdomen is pale blue throughout with the exception of segment 1 that is black. A fine line runs down the centre of the upper surface either side of which is a single black dot.

Female: - Golden straw coloured abdomen. The upper surface of the brown thorax is highlighted by two

This narrative was kindly written and supplied by Mr Ken Crick

All Photography by Chris Brooks

Click on the thumb-nails to enlarge the images.

almost white antehumeral stripes. A similar stripe exists between the wings that are faintly tinted saffron. The eyes are grey green. The upper surface of the abdomen sports a fine black centre line with a cross bar or pair of dots on each segment.

Status: - Found mainly along the West Coast of Scotland, Wales and England where its habitat requirements restrict it to moorland sites. Also present on the lowland heaths of the New Forest and Hampshire up to the boarder with Berkshire. Suitable

sites are scattered around the coastal regions of Eire.

Habitat: - Breeds in areas of heath and moorland bogs, runnels and streams.

Flight period: - Mid June to mid August.

General: - Males can be seen at rest sunning them-selves on the surface of the bog, they fly very low and often in an unpredictable pattern. Females are often encountered sunning themselves on bare ground or banks of heather. Copulation may take place low down near the bogs surface or high in a tree.

It is a relatively drawn out process taking in excess of 20 minutes. Females often seem to rest after copulation and before commencing egg-laying.

Females lay by dipping the abdomen in the water whilst in flight, closely guarded by the male. Another species where a stout plastic bag becomes an essential part of a photographer’s kit.