CLOSED: Help with dragonfly identification

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davefrance Gramat, France Jul 05, 2013

Location SW France. Garden pond still clear water. Temperature rising today to 30 C.

I am still a novice with dragonflies my pond was only created last May so this is the first full year.

Noticed today two Exuvia (photo 1 & 2) clinging onto the long blades of grass at the side of the pool and close by, two resting dragonflies. I have attempted to identify them and think the first is a Keeled Skimmer - Female (photo 3) and the second a Broad Bodied Chaser - Female (photo 4). A male Broad Bodied Chaser (photo 5) was the first to colonise the pond last year and is a daily visitor. Can anyone add anything please.

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Flapdoodle Minot, ND Jul 05, 2013

As nearly as I can tell, you likely are correct on both counts. The broad bodied chaser (http://www.barrywells.co.uk/photo_988275.html) is pretty distinctive, but there are some other species, such as the southern skimmer, that may superficially resemble the keeled skimmer. If you are not already familiar with them, you might check out the following:
http://www.ghmahoney.org.uk/insects/dflyl_species.htm
http://www.dragonflypix.com/checklist_fr.html

Post #9588193
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davefrance Gramat, France Jul 06, 2013

Fapdoodle, thanks for confirmation and the very useful links. I still think it is a Keeled rather than Southern Skimmer having checked out your suggested sites. I am puzzled as to why the female Broad Bodied Chaser has hardly moved in the 24 hours since I first noticed her. Obviously, her behaviour will be different from the demented male but would have expected some flight action.

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