David Element's Wildlife Web Page Dragonflies and Damselflies 29

David Element

Wildlife Photography and Digital Video Images

___________________________________________Dragonflies and Damselflies 29 - Broad-bodied Chasers

BROAD-BODIED CHASER Libellula depressa (f)

BROAD-BODIED CHASER Libellula depressa (m) (teneral)

Broad-bodied Chasers Libellula depressa are unlikely to be confused with any other superficially similar species (Libellula, Orthetrum) in the UK because of their robust structure and the extent of the distinctive dark wing markings. Both sexes appear similar after emergence but the females do not develop the bright blue pruinescence seen in fully adult males (illustrated elsewhere on this web site). The first photograph illustrates a mature female and examination of the anal appendages and the relative breadth of the abdomen will enable the differences to be seen between the anatomy of this insect and that of the teneral (freshly emerged) males in the remaining photographs. However, towards the end of the flight period some very mature females may become much darker with a slight bluish tint. This dragonfly has a habit of flying short distances and often returning to a favoured perch – although this favouritism may be transferred elsewhere as the angle of the sun alters. This predictable behaviour makes them rather easier to photograph than the large hawker dragonflies.

A short film of Broad-bodied Chaser Dragonflies may be viewed at: https://youtu.be/vbulEFLHcfY.