Broad-bodied Chaser Libellula depressa

Status | Photos | Distribution Maps Length 44mm,  Wings 76mm  Males  Thorax brown, pale, broad antehumeral stripes; brown patches at base of wings; broad abdomen blue with yellow spots at sides, legs brown, eyes brown.  Females  Thorax brown, pale, broad antehumeral stripes; abdomen yellowish brown with yellow spots along sides; wings brown base areas.  Immatures of both sexes yellowish. Habitat  Occurs on areas of standing water, favouring small open ponds or ditches. Behavior  Male aggressive, protects its territory, often resting on same perch. Females seized and rapidly mated. Female lays eggs alone, with male in vicinity. Eggs dropped into water.  Larvae 2 years. Status A species that is expanding its range. Scarce in the East Riding, though breeding is probably taking place at several sites. Can visit garden ponds which could be a good source of records. Flight Period is from mid-May to early August. <Previous Species | Species Index | Next Species>

Web Author: Paul Ashton - ©  Yorkshire Branch of the British Dragonfly Society 2005-2008 including all images unless otherwise stated. http://www.yorkshiredragonflies.org.uk