Broad-bodied Chaser

Taxobox
name = Broad-bodied Chaser

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image_width = 300px
image_caption = A male "Libellula depressa"
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Arthropoda
classis = Insecta
ordo = Odonata
subordo = Anisoptera
familia = Libellulidae
genus = "Libellula"
species = "L. depressa"
binomial = "Libellula depressa"
binomial_authority = (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.

ee also

* Four-spotted Chaser
* List of British dragonflies

Gallery