Arguably the most common of dragonflies in the New Forest, the Keeled Skimmer can be found ubiquitously at streams, bogs, ponds and often great distances from an obvious water source.

The pale blue abdomen is not dissimilar to that of the Broad-bodies Chaser and Black Tailed Skimmer, both of which it can be easily confused for. Keeled Skimmers tend to be slightly smaller than both of these species, with wings that are characteristically forward facing when perched. Juveniles are seen in abundance, and lack the blue colouration of their mature adult counterparts.

Keeled Skimmers make regular short bursty flights between perching, which usually takes place on or close to the ground.