Broad-bodied chaser

The broadest abdomen among dragonflies

The broad-bodied chaser is one of the most common and recognisable dragonflies in Europe. Its distinctive feature is its unusually broad, flattened, stocky abdomen. In mature males the abdomen becomes coated in a pale, waxy blue (pruinose), while females and juveniles are a golden yellow-brown. Both sexes have four conspicuous dark patches at the base of the wings. It is a powerful, territorial flier.

Habitat and range

It is widespread across much of Europe and central Asia. It is a pioneer species: it quickly colonises pools, ponds and small bodies of still water of recent formation, with muddy or sandy banks and little vegetation, such as quarry pools, troughs and newly dug garden ponds.

Life cycle and behaviour

The aquatic larva is a voracious predator that lives on the bottom for one or two years before emerging and transforming into an adult. The adults, aerial hunters, catch small insects such as mosquitoes and midges on the wing. The males are strongly territorial: they guard the water body from a perch, driving off rivals with lightning chases.

Notable facts

Thanks to its pioneering nature, it is often one of the first dragonflies to appear at a new garden pond. In Germany it was chosen as insect of the year 2001. Like all dragonflies, it has exceptional vision thanks to its large compound eyes.

Conservation

The species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN and remains very widespread. It benefits from its ability to colonise new aquatic habitats quickly, which makes it less vulnerable than many other dragonflies.