Four-spotted Chaser

Description

This rather uniformly brown dragonfly is quite active in late spring and summer.

Males and females: Both look a like. Two obvious dark spots on each wing.

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Latin NameLibellula quadrimaculata
Habitat

Found at the margins of shallow ponds and lakes which have good emergent vegetation and some open water.

 

Status & Distribution

Common throughout the British Isles.

Similar Species

Could be confused with other Chaser Dragonflies but can be distinguished by its dark wing spots.

Species GroupDragonflies
Identification Notes
  • Length: 39-48mm
  • Wings have yellow base and diagnostic dark spots at nodes (half way down the leading wing vein).
  • Males and females are alike.
  • Brown abdomen becoming darker towards the rear with a row of yellow spots along each side.
  • Brown thorax
  • Brown eyes.
  • Rare Praenubila colour form has dark wing tips.
Flight PeriodFour-spotted Chaser
Larval Information

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

18-28mm.

Mask jaws have weak serrations.

Eyes point out to the side of the head.

No dorsal spine on segment 9.

Similar Species

Black-tailed Skimmer
Broad-bodied Chaser