Our Island Resident Species-Dragonflies(3).

The Keeled Skimmer could be considered a surprise resident on the Isle of Wight. The species is found in acidic wet heathland containing runnels and streams, not the habitat that you would associate with the Island. However on our  south-west coastal cliffs where the sandstone and clay are always on the move due to erosion, suitable habitat has been created on the landslip. Here small pools form  with emergent reeds and in a couple of areas along the coast this skimmer has made it home.

 

A common skimmer mainly found at any pond with bare exposed banks is the Black-tailed Skimmer. The males like to perch horizontally on bare ground,mud,stones and dead wood.