Four-spotted Chaser, Libellula quadrimaculata

Size

Medium sized; body length 25mm to 35mm.

Colour-patterning

Both sexes have a brown ground colour becoming darker over the head and almost orange on the sides of the thorax. The posterior half of the abdomen is black with the sides of the abdomen edged yellow. The wings are suffused bright amber at their bases and both fore and hind wings have a dark patch about half way along their leading edges and a pronounced black stigma near their wing tips hence the common name of this chaser. There is also a black triangular patch immediately behind the amber suffusion of the hind wings.

Behaviour

Male Four-spotted Chasers aggressively defend their territories from prominent perches around the margins of pools and ponds and ward off any intruders. They are particularly active and energetic fliers and return frequently to their preferred perches. Mating takes place in the air and the females lays her eggs in floating vegetation.

Where to look for it

This species prefers warm sites with ponds or ditches with still or slowly moving water. Unlikely to be seen but should be looked for in Efford Marsh and Forder Valley Local Nature Reserves where the majority of specimens have been seen.

Distribution and status

The species is very rare in Plymouth and only about six specimens have been identified over the last ten years with never more than a single specimen on each occasion. Breeding has not been observed in the city and it is probable that all the specimens seen have been migrants from outside the area.

When to look for it

May to the middle of August.

Similar species

hilst Four-spotted Chasers superficially resemble female Broad-bodies Chasers, Libellula depressa, and Skimmers, Orthetrum spp, the combination of wing spots and the black posterior half of the abdomen make this species unmistakeable.

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