Libellula depressa, the broad-bodied chaser is one of the most common dragonflies in Europe and central Asia. It is very distinctive with a very broad flattened abdomen, four wing patches and, in the male, the abdomen becomes pruinose blue.
Identification
This insect is around 39–48 mm in length, with both the male and the female having a broad, flattened abdomen which is brown with yellow patches down the sides. In the male, the abdomen develops a blue pruinosity that covers the brown colour. Both fore and hind wings have a dark patch at the base. It is not found in Ireland or North Africa. Consequently, the suggestion, based on RNA and DNA analysis, that this species should be placed within the genus Ladona is not valid under the principle of priority.
See also
- Libellulidae
- List of British dragonflies
References
- Askew, R. R. (2004) The Dragonflies of Europe. (revised ed.) Harley Books.
- Boudot J. P., et al. (2009) Atlas of the Odonata of the Mediterranean and North Africa. Libellula Supplement 9: 1–256.
- d'Aguilar, J., Dommanget, J. L., and Prechac, R. (1986) A field guide to the Dragonflies of Britain, Europe and North Africa. Collins. pp336.
- Dijkstra, K.-D. B & Lewington, R. (2006) Field Guide to the Dragonflies of Britain and Europe. British Wildlife Publishing.