Keeled Skimmer (Keeled Orthetrum) Orthetrum coerulescens
Suborder: Anisoptera
Family: Libellulidae
In Sussex this species is at the extreme eastern edge of its range, occurring at a few heathland pools. It is a darter-sized dragonfly, with a slim tapering abdomen. The all-blue abdomen of the mature male has a pronounced ‘keel’, especially when viewed from the side. The female has a golden-brown abdomen, which darkens with age with a thin black stripe along the top.
National status
Locally common, with a patchy distribution mainly in western Britain.
Status in Sussex
Rare, with only 12 pre-1990 records. Ashdown Forest is the only relatively secure locality in Sussex. Listed in the Sussex Rare Species Inventory. In 2025, there was the discovery of a small population on the edge of Pevensey Levels by Geoff Gowlett. Being normally found in Sussex on heathland, there is the possibility that this population is of Continental origin as it is not far from the coast and because across the Channel, the species occupies a broader range of habitats.
Distribution at 1km scale
Historical records
The third species first recorded in Sussex near Tunbridge Wells in August 1908 by E. Speyer (Bloomfield 1910), it was also found at Amberley Wildbrooks by Guermonprez on 10 August 1909 (Dannreuther 1945). Chelmick (1979) wrote that “This rare species, with the exception of Lestes dryas, has declined more than any other in recent years” and that there was just one locality for it at the time (east of Crowborough). On Ashdown Forest Fowles (1985) did not record it, but Marrable (1999) found it at two sites, and the survey for The Dragonflies of Sussex (2004) did in six 1x1 kilometre squares.
Flight times
Late June - early September.
Phenology (adult)
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Keeled Skimmer habitat at Old Lodge, Ashdown Forest (drought affected pond in Aug 2020) Photo: Simon Linington
Habitat
Acid pools, streams and ditches in wet heath areas, usually where Sphagnum moss is present. See also comment under ‘Status in Sussex’.
Conservation
The conservation, restoration or creation of small bog ponds on our wet heaths, a priority habitat, could help expand the range and number of sites for this species. The British Dragonfly Society website lists the main threats as erratic rainfall due to climate change, pollution and both abstraction and drainage.
Similar species
See Scarce Chaser for discussion on the identification of this species from the Chasers and from Black-tailed Skimmer (a photographic comparison is provided).
In Sussex this species is at the extreme eastern edge of its range, occurring at a few heathland pools. It is a darter-sized dragonfly, with a slim tapering abdomen. The all-blue abdomen of the mature male has a pronounced ‘keel’, especially when viewed from the side. The female has a golden-brown abdomen, which darkens with age with a thin black stripe along the top.
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male Photo: Simon Linington
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immature male Photo: David Sadler
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young male Photo: Simon Linington
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ovipositing female Photo: David Sadler
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female Photo: David Sadler
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male Photo: Simon Linington
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male Photo: Simon Linington
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mating Photo: David Sadler
National status
Locally common, with a patchy distribution mainly in western Britain.
Status in Sussex
Rare, with only 12 pre-1990 records. Ashdown Forest is the only relatively secure locality in Sussex. Listed in the Sussex Rare Species Inventory. In 2025, there was the discovery of a small population on the edge of Pevensey Levels by Geoff Gowlett. Being normally found in Sussex on heathland, there is the possibility that this population is of Continental origin as it is not far from the coast and because across the Channel, the species occupies a broader range of habitats.
Distribution at 1km scale
Historical records
The third species first recorded in Sussex near Tunbridge Wells in August 1908 by E. Speyer (Bloomfield 1910), it was also found at Amberley Wildbrooks by Guermonprez on 10 August 1909 (Dannreuther 1945). Chelmick (1979) wrote that “This rare species, with the exception of Lestes dryas, has declined more than any other in recent years” and that there was just one locality for it at the time (east of Crowborough). On Ashdown Forest Fowles (1985) did not record it, but Marrable (1999) found it at two sites, and the survey for The Dragonflies of Sussex (2004) did in six 1x1 kilometre squares.
Flight times
Late June - early September.
Phenology (adult)
1 / 1
Keeled Skimmer habitat at Old Lodge, Ashdown Forest (drought affected pond in Aug 2020) Photo: Simon Linington
Habitat
Acid pools, streams and ditches in wet heath areas, usually where Sphagnum moss is present. See also comment under ‘Status in Sussex’.
Conservation
The conservation, restoration or creation of small bog ponds on our wet heaths, a priority habitat, could help expand the range and number of sites for this species. The British Dragonfly Society website lists the main threats as erratic rainfall due to climate change, pollution and both abstraction and drainage.
Similar species
See Scarce Chaser for discussion on the identification of this species from the Chasers and from Black-tailed Skimmer (a photographic comparison is provided).
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