Recognising the Broad-bodied Chaser

Libellula Depressa

Mature male Broad-bodied Chaser © BDS/I.Hulme

Female Broad-bodied Chaser © Owen Burnham

This medium-sized dragonfly shows characteristic dark patches at the base of all four wings. The broad, flat abdomen is yellowish-brown in females and immature males, and takes a powdery blue colouration in mature males. There are also yellow spots along the sides of the abdomen, as well as pale stripes on top of the thorax

ATTENTION!
Confusion is possible between male Broad-bodied Chaser (Libellula depressa) and male Black-tailed Skimmer (Orthetrum cancellatum): or even Four-spotted Chaser (Libellula quadrimaculata)

Male Broad-bodied Chaser Libellula depressa – note the broad abdomen and the powdery blue colouration along the whole length of the abdomen. Note also the dark patches at the base of the wings. (© BDS/I.Hulme)

Male Black-tailed Skimmer Orthetrum cancellatum – note the extended black tip at the end of the relatively narrow abdomen, and the lack of dark patches at the base of the wings (© BDS)

Female Broad-bodied Chaser

Female Broad-bodied Chaser Libellula depressa – note the broad abdomen, more yellow colouration and no dark patches in middle of each wing.
(© Ruary Mackenzie Dodds)

Four-spotted Chaser

Four-spotted Chaser Libellula quadrimaculata –note the extra spot on the middle of each wing
(© BDS/C. Daguet)

Confusion may also occur with the two rarer species Scarce Chaser (Libellula fulva) and Keeled Skimmer (Orthetrum coerulescens)

Male Scarce Chaser Libellula fulva – note the black tip at the end of the abdomen and no dark patch at the base of the forewings. This species is also more likely to be seen by rivers (© BDS)

Male Keeled Skimmer Orthetrum coerulescens – note relatively thin abdomen and no dark patches at the base of the wings (© BDS/Ian Tew)

Female Keeled Skimmer Orthetrum coerulescens – note dark stripe on relatively thin abdomen and no dark patches at the base of the wings
(© BDS/C. Daguet)

If you are unsure about your identification, then please send one or several photographs with your records, for validation.