Libellula depressa, Broad-bodied Chaser

Common Name: Broad-bodied Chaser

Libellula depressa, more comonly known as the Broad-bodied Chaser, is approximately 39-48mm in length and has a very broad, flattened abdomen, which makes the insect appear "fat". Both sexes have pale blue, thin ante-humeral stripes and brown eyes.

The wing bases are very dark brown. The males quickly develop a blue pruinescence on the abdomen with yellow spots along the segment sides, while the females are a golden brown on the abdomen, again with yellow spots at the margins (see photo above).

This dragonfly is usually found at ponds and may be the first to colonise new ponds. It regularly returns to the same low perch after swift flights along the pond margins. It is widespread and common throughout southern England and Wales, but has been extending its range northwards in recent years.

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