Dragonfly for i.d. please

[rogpow]

Hi Guys,



I'm assuming this is a female Common Darter (Sympetrum striolatum), but a photo in one of my i.d. guides makes it look more like a female Keeled Skimmer (Orthetrum coerulescens).

Excuse the poor photo - it's a grab from a video.

Cheers,
Rog

[wint]

It's a Common Darter (female).

Your ID guide should show orangey/yellow pterostigmas and a pale costa. (If not throw it away!)

I can just about make out that it has few antenodal crossveins (Ax) making it a darter rather than a skimmer.

Two pics from the Gallery - right Common Darter, left Keeled Skimmer



HTH

[rogpow]

Thanks for the help Paul - much appreciated.

Rog