Keeled Skimmer
Orthetrum coerulescens
This record describes Orthetrum coerulescens (species). Recorded family: Libellulidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 40 to 44 mm. A slim dragonfly with a pronounced dorsal keel (dark line down the middle of the back). |
| Male | blue body and blue-grey eyes. |
| Female | ochre abdomen and brown eyes. May be confused with Black-tailed Skimmer and Scarce Chaser. The Keeled Skimmer can be distinguished by its: paler wings spots, yellow costa (leading wing vein), pale antehumeral stripes on the back of the thorax and black keel. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed. Pools and streams in wet heathland sites. The species has a very local and patchy distribution in Britain. It is mainly recorded in western Britain and Ireland where it can be locally frequent. No additional images available for this species. |
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Odonata
- Family
- Libellulidae
- Genus
- Orthetrum
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Pools and streams in wet heathland sites.
Seasonal Activity
May to September.
Additional species information
Recorded status
The species has a very local and patchy distribution in Britain. It is mainly recorded in western Britain and Ireland where it can be locally frequent.
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Orthetrum coerulescens. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Odonata includes ~6,000 described species of dragonflies and damselflies. Dragonflies are among the fastest flying insects, reaching 36 mph (58 km/h). They can fly in any direction including backward, and hover in place - each wing operates independently.
Ecological role of the group
Dragonflies predate dinosaurs by nearly 100 million years - fossils date to 325 million years ago. The largest dragonfly ancestor, Meganeuropsis permiana (285 mya), had a 75cm wingspan, enabled by atmospheric oxygen levels of 31-35% compared to today's 21%. Dragonflies have a 95% hunting success rate - the highest of any predator.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Dragonflies are voracious predators that consume hundreds of mosquitoes daily, providing natural pest control worth millions in reduced mosquito-borne disease risk. A single dragonfly can eat 30 to hundreds of mosquitoes per day.
Recorded sources for this group: Natural History Museum London, Britannica, fossil record research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Frequently Asked Questions About Keeled Skimmer
What is Keeled Skimmer?
Keeled Skimmer (Orthetrum coerulescens) is a species in the family Libellulidae, within the order Odonata.
How big is Keeled Skimmer?
40 to 44 mm. A slim dragonfly with a pronounced dorsal keel (dark line down the middle of the back). Male: blue body and blue-grey eyes. Female: ochre abdomen and brown eyes.
Where is Keeled Skimmer found?
Habitat: Pools and streams in wet heathland sites.
When is Keeled Skimmer active?
Keeled Skimmer: seasonal activity - May to September..