description Libellula depressa Overview
Libellula depressa, commonly known as the broad-bodied chaser, is a dragonfly species first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758. Found throughout Europe and parts of Asia, this dragonfly is characterized by its distinctive flattened, widened abdomen, which is typically blue in males and yellowish-brown in females. Adults reach approximately 4-5 centimeters in length with a wingspan of about 7-8 centimeters. They are commonly seen near still water bodies, including ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers, where they defend territories and hunt for smaller insects.
help Libellula depressa FAQ
Who first formally described the Libellula depressa dragonfly?
Libellula depressa, commonly known as the broad-bodied chaser, was first formally described by the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1758. It belongs to the Libellulidae family, which is the largest family of dragonflies.
How can you identify a male Libellula depressa in the wild?
The male Libellula depressa is easily identified by its distinctive flattened, widened abdomen that takes on a striking powdery blue coloration. Females, on the other hand, typically have a yellowish-brown abdomen with dark markings along the sides.
What regions does the Libellula depressa typically inhabit?
The broad-bodied chaser is found throughout Europe and parts of Asia, preferring warm, shallow, still-water bodies like ponds and small lakes. They are highly territorial and can often be seen perching on vegetation near the water's edge.
When is the best time of year to see Libellula depressa flying?
This dragonfly species has a relatively short flight season, generally being most active during the warm summer months from May to August. They spend the majority of their lives as aquatic nymphs before emerging as flying adults for just a few weeks.
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