David Element

Wildlife Photography and Digital Video Images

____________________________________________________Dragonflies and Damselflies 31 – Scarce or Blue Chasers

SCARCE CHASER DRAGONFLY Libellula fulva teneral (f)

SCARCE CHASER DRAGONFLY Libellula fulva teneral (f)

SCARCE CHASER DRAGONFLY Libellula fulva teneral

SCARCE CHASER DRAGONFLY Libellula fulva (m)

SCARCE CHASER DRAGONFLY Libellula fulva (m)

SCARCE CHASER DRAGONFLY Libellula fulva (m)

SCARCE CHASER DRAGONFLY Libellula fulva (m)

SCARCE CHASER DRAGONFLY Libellula fulva (m)

SCARCE CHASER DRAGONFLY Libellula fulva (m)

SCARCE CHASER DRAGONFLY Libellula fulva (m)

SCARCE CHASER DRAGONFLY Libellula fulva (m)

SCARCE CHASER DRAGONFLY Libellula fulva (m)

SCARCE CHASER DRAGONFLY Libellula fulva (m)

SCARCE CHASER DRAGONFLY Libellula fulva (m)

SCARCE CHASER DRAGONFLY Libellula fulva (m)

SCARCE CHASER DRAGONFLY Libellula fulva (m)

• These images of Scarce or Blue Chaser Dragonflies Libellula fulva were taken in Sussex (‘Blue’ only accurately describes mature males). This formerly quite uncommon dragonfly has been extending its UK range recently, almost certainly in response to anthropogenic climate change. A requirement for clean, slow-flowing running or still water habitats surrounded by well-vegetated banks is likely to restrict this species to habitats that can accommodate these tolerances. Males frequently make short flights from prominent perches, either in defence of small territories (as these insects can occur in quite high population densities without any obvious conflict) or in pursuit of prey. Teneral (immature) Scarce Chasers of both sexes are very different in appearance from their mature counterparts (see first three photographs) as they are bright orange with black longitudinal dorsal stripes on their abdomens. The wingtips of both sexes are clouded, but these markings are subtle and more extensive in females. Females mature to a dirty brown colour. By contrast, males develop a light blue, powdery, pruinescence between the third and seventh abdominal segments (the remaining segments are black) and their eyes are blue grey, distinguishing them from other medium-sized male dragonflies that also develop blue pruinescence. Mated males may be identified by worn black, often triangular, patches where the legs of females have worn away the pruinescence to expose the black surface underneath. Some of the natural light photographs have been taken using high ISO settings to freeze movement, and to maximise depth of field.

· David’s films of Scarce Chasers and other Dragonflies may be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4AirIEc0NofX43b8X-UMfsrsUry8PzwD.

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