Broad-bodied Chaser
Libellula depressa
This record describes Libellula depressa (species). Recorded family: Libellulidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
A medium-sized dragonfly with a very broad, flattened abdomen. The male is blue and the female yellow. Larvae are very similar to those of the Four-spotted Chaser (Libellula quadrimaculata) but have deeper serrations for the teeth and the eyes protrude more upwards and less to the sides of the head. It can be distinguished from the Four-spotted Chaser by the absence of the wing spots. It favours shallow still water habitats and is found in well-vegetated and still ponds, including garden and farm ponds. It is quick to colonise new ponds. The larvae take 1-3 years to develop and lay partially buried in the bottom mud. They can even survive for a while if the pond dries up. Locally frequent in England and Wales but scarcer further north.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Odonata
- Family
- Libellulidae
- Genus
- Libellula
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It favours shallow still water habitats and is found in well-vegetated and still ponds, including garden and farm ponds.
Seasonal Activity
Late May to early August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
It is quick to colonise new ponds. The larvae take 1-3 years to develop and lay partially buried in the bottom mud. They can even survive for a while if the pond dries up.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Locally frequent in England and Wales but scarcer further north.
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Libellula depressa. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Odonata includes ~6,000 described species of dragonflies and damselflies. Dragonflies are among the fastest flying insects, reaching 36 mph (58 km/h). They can fly in any direction including backward, and hover in place - each wing operates independently.
Ecological role of the group
Dragonflies predate dinosaurs by nearly 100 million years - fossils date to 325 million years ago. The largest dragonfly ancestor, Meganeuropsis permiana (285 mya), had a 75cm wingspan, enabled by atmospheric oxygen levels of 31-35% compared to today's 21%. Dragonflies have a 95% hunting success rate - the highest of any predator.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Dragonflies are voracious predators that consume hundreds of mosquitoes daily, providing natural pest control worth millions in reduced mosquito-borne disease risk. A single dragonfly can eat 30 to hundreds of mosquitoes per day.
Recorded sources for this group: Natural History Museum London, Britannica, fossil record research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Broad-bodied Chaser (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Broad-bodied Chaser
What is Broad-bodied Chaser?
Broad-bodied Chaser (Libellula depressa) is a species in the family Libellulidae, within the order Odonata.
Where is Broad-bodied Chaser found?
Habitat: It favours shallow still water habitats and is found in well-vegetated and still ponds, including garden and farm ponds.
When is Broad-bodied Chaser active?
Broad-bodied Chaser: seasonal activity - Late May to early August..
What is the life cycle of a Broad-bodied Chaser?
It is quick to colonise new ponds. The larvae take 1-3 years to develop and lay partially buried in the bottom mud. They can even survive for a while if the pond dries up.