Broad-bodied Chaser
A male Libellula depressa
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Arthropoda Class: Insecta Order: Odonata Suborder: Anisoptera Family: Libellulidae Genus: Libellula Species: L. depressa
Binomial name
Libellula depressa (Linnaeus, 1758)

The Broad-bodied Chaser, Libellula depressa, is a European dragonfly. The approximate wingspan of the broad-bodied chaser is 70 millimeters. The dragonfly is mainly found in Wales and Southern England. It is active between the months of May and August.

Habitat

It is seen near still-water lakes and ponds, and they feed on many types of small insects.

Identification

The female has a brown abdomen with two yellow stripes. The male has a pale blue abdomen. Because of the male's pale blue abdomen, they can be confused with the Black-tailed Skimmer, or Orthetrum cancellatum. Both the male and female broad-bodied chasers have dark brown, triangular patches at the base of all four wings.

Behaviour

Their flight is very fast as they dart and dive above the water looking for food and fighting away rival males and any other Dragonflies they happen to encounter. They characteristically return to a favoured perch, in the sun. They can be hard to get close views of but if seen near some woodland they may allow you to observe them.

See also

• Four-spotted Chaser
• List of British dragonflies

Gallery

A male at rest

Female Libellula depressa

Male Libellula depressa