Paul Leyland – Four-spotted Chaser

The Four-spotted Chaser (Libellula quadrimaculata) is very common and widespread in the UK. It is best seen between late May to August and occurs mainly around standing water. They average about 45mm long, with the hind wing length about the same. Chaser dragonflies are quite easy to observe. They fly around quite aggressively and will often hover while establishing their territory and hunting for food. However they love perching up, so once you spot one at rest you can be fairly sure it will keep returning to the same spot.

The Four-spotted Chaser is very good at colonising new sites and isn’t that fussy about the location. I found this one in June last year, at Seamer near Scarborough, at a drainage pool on an industrial estate, You don’t have to go far to find them.

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