The KEELED SKIMMER (Orthetrum coerulescens) is a small darter like dragonfly that is commonly found in acid, boggy areas. The images below were taken at Thursley Common on 1st July.
Males are distinctive with their blue slender, tapering abdomen. Mature males might be confused with other blue libellulids - Black-tailed Skimmer and Scarce Chaser both have a black tip to the abdomen; on the Broad-bodied Chaser the abdomen is much broader and flattened and both species are larger than the Keeled Skimmer.
Typically when resting the wings are gradually depressed and twisted forwards. The flight season lasts from early June to late August.
I watched a male and female flying together in the wheel (copulation) position and they fortunately decided to rest briefly on the boardwalk before flying off to settle low down in the vegetation.
The other species seen in good numbers was the Four Spotted Chaser and I'll post some shots soon...FAB.
Hi Frank,
ReplyDeleteThat's something I'll definitively not see over here and I don't know if it occurs in France. Nice set of pictures you got there of this very impressive species.
Impressive captures, Frank! Delightful to see as not a species common to my area. ~karen
ReplyDeleteI am amazed what I have learned about...skimmers...chasers...dragonflys....I did not know that they all where not just dragonflys!!! Thanks for your photos and infomation...I am going to pay more attention now!!!!
ReplyDeleteAnother dragon I've not seen Frank. Great shots of it.
ReplyDeleteHi Chris. I don't know...you'll have to look next time you visit France.
ReplyDeleteHi Karen. They gave me the run around for a while, but you know me..patient..sometimes!
Hi grammie g. Thanks..we never stop learning.
Hi Keith. Any site with sphagnum moss is worth checking.
ReplyDeleteI only find the Black tailed Skimmer here Frank, and thats not often. Nice photo's BTW
ReplyDeleteFabulous images! Dragonflies avoid me - I never can get close enough. These are spectacular. Thank you for visiting my blog today!
ReplyDeleteFrank, you always manage to get such amazing images.
ReplyDeleteI love the way they hold their wings whilst resting.......
Hi Warren. Any species and any view is worthwhile.
ReplyDeleteThe Giraffe Head Tree. Nice of you to pop by...much appreciated.
Hi Cheryl. Sometimes I just get a little lucky. Patience is always the key..sit..watch..then attempt to capture something!!
Oh wow how I love these images Frank. Better still I love the new header photo of the moth. It's gorgeous. Carol
ReplyDeleteHi Carol. Thank you. BTW the header shot is actually a butterfly called a Skipper.
ReplyDeleteSuch exciting details and a complex body, wow! great capture
ReplyDeleteHi Jo. Cheers. It's also an excellent flying machine.
ReplyDeleteGreat dragons!
ReplyDeleteThanks very much Steve. Working on the next post...another species.
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