Four-spotted chaser
Libellula quadrimaculata
The four-spotted chaser is a medium-sized dragonfly known for the four distinctive dark spots on the leading edges of its wings. It has a predominantly brownish-yellow body, with the tip of the abdomen often appearing darker. This species is commonly found near still water habitats such as ponds, lakes, and peat bogs. It is a highly active flyer and is notable for its occasional large-scale migrations.
Details
Identification
Four dark spots on the wing nodes (nodii), yellowish-brown body, dark abdomen tip, broad dark base of the hind wings.
Social behavior
Males exhibit strong territorial behavior at water bodies and defend their perches against rivals.
Diet
Larvae feed on aquatic insects, tadpoles, and small fish; adults hunt various flying insects such as mosquitoes and flies.
Hunting strategy
Perch hunter; the dragonfly waits on a perch for prey and catches it in a swift hunting flight.
Spawning substrate
Eggs are deposited during flight by dipping the abdomen directly into the water or onto floating algal mats.
Overwintering
Overwintering occurs as a larva in the bottom sediment or among aquatic plants at the bottom of the water body.
Ecology
Ecological role
Important predator in aquatic and terrestrial ecotones for regulating insect populations.
Natural predators
Birds (e.g., hobby), frogs, larger predatory dragonflies, spiders.
Competitor species
Other large dragonflies such as the broad-bodied chaser (Libellula depressa) or the scarce chaser (Libellula fulva).
Ecosystem service
Biological pest control by consuming mosquitoes.
Threats
Destruction of wetlands, intensive agriculture, use of insecticides, and climate change (drying out of peat bogs).
Scientific profile
Profile
Distinguishing features
Eponymous four dark spots at the nodes of all four wings; additionally triangular black basal patches on the hindwings. Unlike Libellula depressa, males lack extensive blue pruinescence; both sexes look very similar.
Role in food web
Significant predator in aquatic and terrestrial ecotones; regulates insect populations and serves as prey for vertebrates.
Protection & threats
Main threats
Destruction of small water bodies, intensive fish farming (predation pressure), eutrophication due to nutrient runoff, and loss of littoral zones.
Population trend
Stable; widespread and one of the most common large dragonfly species in Central Europe.
Conservation measures
Preservation and creation of stagnant water bodies, promotion of reed structures, avoidance of fish stocking in conservation ponds.