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Click external link here for detailed Keeled Skimmer Dragonfly information
Click external link here for detailed Large Red Damselfly information
The Keeled Skimmer Dragonfly (Orthetrum coerulescens) or Heathland Skimmer Dragonfly is of the family Libellulidae which is in the genus Orthetrum. This small to medium sized dragonfly commonly occurs in Europe, Western Asia as well as parts of North Africa.
In Ireland it has a more patchy distribution and is uncommon. Although in western regions it is more abundant, as is the case in Britain. The main flight season is from June to August.
The Large Red Damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula) or Spring Red Eye Damselfly is of the family Coenagrionidae which is in the genus Pyrrhosoma. It is a common and widespread species in Europe as well as parts of Western Asia and North Africa. In Ireland, the flight season can extends from mid April into October.
In recent times, the english names for most European species of damselflies and dragonflies have been changed. Here the older name is used first, to reflect common useage, follow by the new name.
Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Rawbirds
