Broad-bodied Chaser Libellula depressa
 A medium-sized dragonfly with very broad, flattened abdomen. Males unmistakable (although beware male Black-tailed Skimmers) having a mainly pale blue abdomen (brown underside and first segment and small black tip) with yellow spots along the side, and brown thorax. Females superficially similar to Four-spotted Chaser, being mainly brown with yellow abdominal side spots, but are stubbier-bodied and even broader than the males, and lack the dark tip. Both sexes lack the extra wing spots of Four-spotted Chaser.
Status of Broad-bodied Chaser in Leicestershire & Rutland
Number of occupied 2km grid squares in Leicestershire & Rutland, up to the end of 2004: 116/720
This distinctive dragonfly is widespread but somewhat local in distribution, being found in suitable locations throughout VC 55.
Historic data shows that the Broad-bodied Chaser was relatively abundant in the 1930s, with Roebook (1932) describing it as ‘fairly common in Leicestershire’. There were few records between this period and the 1980s, after which time it appears to have made a resurgence, and is now more widely distributed. |
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Distribution Map
Broad-bodied Chaser 2004 |
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Broad-bodied Chaser Habitat
A species that favours shallow stillwater habitats. Fairly common at ponds, canals and lakes, especially smaller, more open sites.
Flight period of Broad-bodied Chaser
Broad-bodied Chaser Photo Gallery
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