Broad-bodied Chaser
A male Libellula depressa
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Odonata
Suborder:	Anisoptera
Family:	Libellulidae
Genus:	Libellula
Species:	L. depressa
Binomial name
Libellula depressa (Linnaeus, 1758)

The Broad-bodied Chaser, Libellula depressa, is a European dragonfly. The approximate wing-span of the broad-bodied chaser is 70 millimeters. It occurs in Europe except for the northern parts and in Asia eastwards to south-west Siberia. In Great Britain, it is mainly found in Wales and Southern England, active between the months of May and August.

Contents 1 Habitat 2 Identification 3 Behaviour 4 See also 5 Gallery

[edit] Habitat

It is seen near still-water lakes and ponds, feeding on many types of small insects.

[edit] Identification

The female has a brown abdomen with two yellow stripes. The male has a pale blue abdomen. Because of the male's pale blue abdomen, they can be confused with the Black-tailed Skimmer, or Orthetrum cancellatum. Both the male and female broad-bodied chasers have dark brown, triangular patches at the base of all four wings.

[edit] Behaviour

Their flight is very fast as they dart and dive above the water looking for food and fighting away rival males and any other dragonflies they happen to encounter. They characteristically return to a favoured perch, in the sun. They can be hard to get close views of but if seen near some woodland they may allow you to observe them.

[edit] See also

• Four-spotted Chaser
• List of British dragonflies

[edit] Gallery

A male

A male at rest

Female Libellula depressa

Male Libellula depressa