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Species GroupDragonflies
Scientific NameLibellula depressa
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.

Habitat

Usually found at ponds and small lakes.

May be the first to colonise new ponds.

Flight PeriodBroad-bodied Chaser
Adult Identification
  • 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.
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

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