Distribution: Longleat Forest has long been planted with large tracts of conifers and these, combined with a sandstone ridge running through the area, provides the right conditions in places for Keeled Skimmer.

Identification: The male has a powder blue abdomen like the Broad-bodied Chaser, Black Tailed Skimmer and Scarce Chaser. But can be identified by it's smaller size, narrow abdomen and pale white / yellow antehumeral stripes. The females are yellow and similar to the Sympetrum's again however, the pale antehumeral stripes are diagnostic.

County Status: Rare.

Orthetrum coerulescens

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Male © Steve Covey 2004

Female © Steve Covey 2005