Friday 13 September 2013

Keeled Skimmer.

Another dragon from my wanderings at Thursley Common in July was the Keeled Skimmer (Orthetrum coerulescens).

This is the male and when on the wing it is often easy to confuse this species with the Black-tailed Skimmer but that has a black tip to a much broader abdomen. At rest the other difference is the colour of pterostigma. As you can see (above) it is yellow on the Keeled but dark brown/black on the Black-tailed.

I didn't spot any females during this session so I'll have to wait until next year for another opportunity to bag one for the files.  FAB.

14 comments:

  1. Wonderful photos, FAB! I've been out with a new camera practicing my skills. I bought a Canon Powershot SX260 HS pocket camera. I really like it for an "extra" in my camera equipment arsenal. I'm posting some photos tomorrow.

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  2. Thats a really good find Frank with some great shots as well.

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  3. HI Frank great shots. I have never heard of this one nor seen it. Thanks.

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  4. great up close and crisp photos of this lovely skimmer

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  5. Super shots Frank,superb detail.
    John.

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  6. Hello Frank!
    Sorry I have not been as active as I should on the blogosphere!
    You O. coerulescens are beautiful!
    I like the males when they are just about to mature... they are then at their best!
    Loved this post!
    Cheerio!

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  7. Frank your Dragonfly's are really very keen! I have found a pond where I view tons, but, they are always too close to the water and I cannot wade any closer...have a happy weekend!

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  8. Pretty captures of the Skimmer! Happy Weekend!

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  9. Don't think I've seen one of these before Frank.

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  10. Hi! I love the colour of this Skimmer.Useful info also!

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  11. A new one for me this Frank. Only recently got into the world of the smaller critters (which this species is probably counted as a large critter)..... so things like this is now on my learning curve

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  12. Wonderful photographs of this beautiful skimmer! So very delicate. Very pretty color.

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  13. Great dragon photos! Love the detail in the wings.

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I hope you enjoyed your visit and I always appreciate your comments and feedback.

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