Libellula depressa - Broad-bodied Chaser
Male
Female
Exuvia
Exuvia (male, top view)
Description
Length: 39-48mm
The very broad, flattened abdomen is characteristic making the insect appear "fat".
Both sexes have pale blue, thin ante-humeral stripes and brown eyes.
The wing bases are very dark brown.
The males quickly develop a blue pruinescence on the abdomen with yellow spots along the segment sides.
Females are a golden brown on the abdomen, again with yellow spots at the margins.
Habitat
This dragonfly is usually found at ponds and may be the first to colonise new ponds.
It regularly returns to the same low perch after swift flights along the pond margins.
Status and Distribution
Widespread and common throughout southern England and Wales.
Distribution map from the National Biodiversity Network Gateway (opens in new window).
Similar species
Its broad appearance separates it from the other Chaser and Skimmer dragonflies.