Scarce Chaser
Libellula fulva
This record describes Libellula fulva (species). Recorded family: Libellulidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
Length: 40 to 49mm. The abdomen of the mature male Scarce Chaser is pale blue. Its eyes are also blue. However, prior to maturity the male and female look very similar having deep orange colouration, black triangular shaped markings on the upper surface of each abdominal segment and dark bases to the wings. Synchronised emergence usually begins towards the end of May, and adults can be seen on the wing until early August. The male Broad-bodied Chaser and the male Black-tailed Skimmer both have the same powder blue abdomens but in both cases these species have paired yellow dots along ther sides of ther abdomen - which are absent in the Scarce Chaser. The female Scarce Chaser abdomen is quite distinctive with the orange-brown colour and the black triangular mark. The Scarce Chaser is a species of Lowland river floodplains and usually inhabits slow-flowing, meandering rivers and large dykes. Occasionally mature gravel pits and nearby ponds also support populations. Adults are usually on the wing from the end of May until early August. L. fulva is scarce in Britain and is consequently listed under category 3 (scarce) in the British Red Data Book on Insects. No additional images available for this species.
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
The Scarce Chaser is a species of Lowland river floodplains and usually inhabits slow-flowing, meandering rivers and large dykes. Occasionally mature gravel pits and nearby ponds also support populations.
Seasonal Activity
Adults are usually on the wing from the end of May until early August.
Additional species information
Recorded status
L. fulva is scarce in Britain and is consequently listed under category 3 (scarce) in the British Red Data Book on Insects.
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Libellula fulva. 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 Scarce Chaser (6)
Frequently Asked Questions About Scarce Chaser
What is Scarce Chaser?
Scarce Chaser (Libellula fulva) is a species in the family Libellulidae, within the order Odonata.
How big is Scarce Chaser?
40 to 49mm. The abdomen of the mature male Scarce Chaser is pale blue. Its eyes are also blue. However, prior to maturity the male and female look very similar having deep orange colouration, black triangular shaped markings on the upper surface of each abdominal segment and dark bases to the wings. Synchronised emergence usually begins towards the end of May, and adults can be seen on the wing until early August.
Where is Scarce Chaser found?
Habitat: The Scarce Chaser is a species of Lowland river floodplains and usually inhabits slow-flowing, meandering rivers and large dykes. Occasionally mature gravel pits and nearby ponds also support populations.
When is Scarce Chaser active?
Scarce Chaser: seasonal activity - Adults are usually on the wing from the end of May until early August..