Broad-bodied Chaser
Libellula depressa
The Broad-bodied Chaser is a dragonfly species known for its characteristically wide and flattened abdomen. Mature males develop a powdery blue pruinescence on their abdomen, while females and immature males are yellowish-brown. As a pioneer species, it prefers newly created, sunny still waters with sparse vegetation and bare ground. The species is widespread across Europe and is easily identified due to its distinctive body shape.
Details
Identification
Extremely broad, flattened abdomen; four large, dark brown basal spots at the wing bases; males with blue pruinescence.
Social behavior
Territorial; males aggressively defend their perching sites and territories at the water against competitors.
Diet
Predatory; larvae feed on aquatic insects, tadpoles, and small crustaceans; adults catch various flying insects.
Hunting strategy
Adults are perch hunters; larvae are ambush predators waiting for prey in the bottom sediment.
Spawning substrate
Eggs are deposited during flight by dipping the abdomen directly into the water surface or into shallow mud zones.
Overwintering
Overwintering occurs in the larval stage, usually buried in the mud at the bottom of the water body.
Ecology
Ecological role
Important predator for regulating insect populations; serves as a food source for larger vertebrates.
Natural predators
Birds (e.g., Eurasian Hobby), amphibians, larger dragonfly species, and spiders.
Competitor species
Other chasers and skimmers like Libellula quadrimaculata (Four-spotted Chaser) or Orthetrum species.
Ecosystem service
Biological control of mosquito populations and other flying insects.
Threats
Loss of pioneer sites due to natural succession (overgrowth of water bodies) and intensive agriculture.
Scientific profile
Profile
Distinguishing features
Named for its extremely broad and flattened abdomen. A definitive feature compared to similar species (like Orthetrum) is the presence of dark, triangular basal patches at the base of both fore and hind wings, along with yellow lateral spots on the abdominal segments.
Role in food web
Important predator in pioneer ecosystems; regulates insect populations in newly formed water bodies.
Protection & threats
Main threats
Natural succession (silting up) of pioneer waters, loss of small water bodies in agricultural landscapes, intensive fish stocking.
Population trend
Stable; the species is widespread and benefits from conservation measures such as the creation of new ponds.
Conservation measures
Regular creation of small water bodies, maintaining pioneer sites through desilting or removal of riparian woody vegetation.