Often emerging by the first days of June, the Keeled Skimmer is a species that links the early season damsel and dragonflies in Argyll with those of High Summer. A largely West coast species in Scotland, the wet moorland pools of Argyll and the Isles are a fortress for this powder-blue dragonfly.

 

The pale blue abdomen of the male is a giveaway in these parts. Watch as the territorial insect flies in quick, but erratic bursts, breaking off to hover or return to a favourite perch. Dragonflies characteristically hold their wings out to their side while at rest, but the Keeled Skimmer goes one step further. When perched they push their wings forward. When used to the normal rest position of most other dragonflies, this seems almost unnatural!

 

Although at home perched on poolside vegetation, this is a dragonfly that will happily rest on the ground enjoying the heat within rocks. Like other dragonflies, this is a species that will readily accommodate human observers that are discreet in their actions.

 

Dragonfly sex can appear brutal at times. Females may be snatched or 'stolen' (sometimes in the act of egg laying!) from their perches by ever-alert males hungry for intimate engagement. On capturing a female, the male first has to transfer sperm from one part of its abdomen to another. Using anal claspers at the tip of his abdomen, he then grabs the female by the neck. The pair is now said to be 'in tandem'. Should the female be receptive, she curls the tip of her abdomen to meet the male's accessory genitalia initiating the transfer of sperm.

 

The position when both sexes are united in copula is often referred to as 'the Wheel' and may last up to 30 minutes in Keeled Skimmers.