Broad-bodied Chaser

Description

Very broad, ‘fat’ dragonfly.

Male: Blue abdomen with yellow spots on the side.

Female and immature males: Golden-brown abdomen with paler spots on the sides.

 

 

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Latin NameLibellula depressa
Habitat

Usually found at ponds and small lakes.

May be the first to colonise new ponds.

Status & Distribution

Widespread and common throughout Wales and England, apart from in northern England. Broad-bodied Chaser has increased in occupancy steadily in England and Wales since the 1970s; is becoming more common in the north and can now be found in a few sites in south Scotland.

Similar Species

Its broad appearance separates it from the other Chaser and Skimmer Dragonflies.

Species GroupDragonflies
Identification Notes
  • Length: 39-48mm
  • Very broad flat abdomen.
  • Wing bases are dark brown.
  • Males: blue abdomen with yellow edges.
  • Females: golden-brown abdomen with pale edges.
  • Immature adults: similar to females.
  • Regularly returns to the same low perch after swift flights along the pond margins.
Flight PeriodBroad-bodied Chaser
Larval Information

Skimmers and Chasers have a squat, spider-like body-shape, a square back to the head and small eyes.

Mask jaws more deeply serrated than in other similar Chaser and Skimmer species.

Eyes point upwards.

Similar Species

Keeled Skimmer
Black-tailed Skimmer
Four-spotted Chaser