Quick Identification Guide

 
Welcome to my quick identification guide for the Keeled Skimmer. These graphics are meant as a guide to the key identifying features of both the male and the female dragonflies.

The text section has been kindly written and supplied by Mr Ken Crick.

The male Keeled Skimmer

The males 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.

The female Keeled Skimmer

The female has a golden straw coloured abdomen. The upper surface of the brown thorax is highlighted by two 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.