Four-spotted Chaser (Libellula quadrimaculata) is a localised species in the county, mainly found in the northwest uplands and on the Gwent Levels.

The oldest record in our dataset is from near Keeper’s pond on the Blorenge, on 25 May 1983 (observer Bill Keen).

Current distribution in the county: what we know

There are many post-2019 records in two areas of the Gwent Levels: from Uskmouth to Goldcliff, and Magor Marsh.

In the uplands, most post-2019 records are from the Blaenavon area, west to Brynmawr and south to Varteg. There are also records from Waun-y-Pound near Ebbw Vale, Bryn Bach Park near Tredegar, Aberbargoed grasslands, Mynydd Maen and Mynyddislwyn.

There are also post-2019 records from the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal at Govilon, Dingestow Court, and Overmonnow ponds in Monmouth.

Current distribution in the county: what we don’t know

It is likely that Four-spotted Chaser is more widespread both on the Gwent Levels and in the uplands than the map shows, as there are pre-2020 records from several areas where it has not been recorded more recently.

There are records from 2016 and 2017 at Cleddon Bog near Trellech, and it is likely that the species is still present there.

Distribution elsewhere

Four-spotted Chaser is found widely throughout Wales with major gaps only in some eastern parts of the country. It is also widespread in England, though with a gap on the Pennines. It is found widely throughout Scotland, particularly in the highlands. Elsewhere in Europe, it is found from northern Iberia east to Russia, north to Scandinavia and Finland, and south to central Italy and the Balkans, with localised populations around the Mediterranean. There are populations also in northern Africa and Turkey, and it is found across northern Asia and also widely across North America.