Kingdom Animalia Order Odonata Family Libellulidae Scientific name Orthetrum coerulescens Rank Species | Phylum Arthropoda Suborder Anisoptera Genus Orthetrum Higher classification Orthetrum | |
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Similar Orthetrum, Odonate, Orthetrum brunneum, Black‑tailed skimmer, Dragonfly | ||
Keeled skimmer
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.
Contents
Male keeled skimmer
Behaviour
This dragonfly is common in central and southern Europe. It is locally common in western Britain and Ireland. Its typical habitat is acidic heath land, where it is often seen alongside golden-ringed dragonflies. Its flight is quite skittish, with frequent hovering, and it lands often. It can fly quite a distance from water, despite its seemingly weak flight. When it perches, the wings are held forward.
