Four spotted chaser dragonfly (Libellula quadrimaculata)
when immature the abdomen is very stout at segment 2 and tapers to a narrow segment 10. The sides are yellow from segment 4-8 and the tip of the abdomen is black. The wing markings are diagnostic with 4 spots clearly visible at the nodes (mid points) of the wings. These are in addition to the dark pterostigma. The hind wings also have dark patches at the base – a feature characteristic of all chasers. An area of yellow also spreads across the front of the wing. Another form of this species called praenubila is quite commonly seen. Shown in the additional photographs below and in the female photograph, this form has more black at the nodes and an area of black extending from the pterostigma. The eyes are brown and the legs are black.Males are fast and aggressive and will view their territory from a selected perch and fly out to chase off other males or to seek a female. Females are grabbed in mid- air and copulation takes place in flight in a matter of seconds. Females then oviposit alone but with the male in attendance to chase off intruding males. The female hovers over the water, usually where there is submerged aquatic vegetation and either dips her abdomen into the water or sometimes flicks the eggs into the water.
Four spotted chaser dragonfly (Libellula quadrimaculata)
when immature the abdomen is very stout at segment 2 and tapers to a narrow segment 10. The sides are yellow from segment 4-8 and the tip of the abdomen is black. The wing markings are diagnostic with 4 spots clearly visible at the nodes (mid points) of the wings. These are in addition to the dark pterostigma. The hind wings also have dark patches at the base – a feature characteristic of all chasers. An area of yellow also spreads across the front of the wing. Another form of this species called praenubila is quite commonly seen. Shown in the additional photographs below and in the female photograph, this form has more black at the nodes and an area of black extending from the pterostigma. The eyes are brown and the legs are black.Males are fast and aggressive and will view their territory from a selected perch and fly out to chase off other males or to seek a female. Females are grabbed in mid- air and copulation takes place in flight in a matter of seconds. Females then oviposit alone but with the male in attendance to chase off intruding males. The female hovers over the water, usually where there is submerged aquatic vegetation and either dips her abdomen into the water or sometimes flicks the eggs into the water.