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Libellula quadrimaculata

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description Libellula quadrimaculata Overview

Libellula quadrimaculata, commonly called the four-spotted chaser, is a medium-sized dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. It occurs across much of the Holarctic region and is associated with ponds, lakes, marshes, and other still or slow-moving waters where its aquatic larvae develop. Adults have a dark mark at the nodus of each of their four wings, producing the common name, and the species was formally described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758.

help Libellula quadrimaculata FAQ

Where can I find the four-spotted chaser dragonfly in the wild?

Libellula quadrimaculata, commonly known as the four-spotted chaser, is found across much of the Holarctic region. They prefer still or slow-moving waters like ponds, lakes, and marshes where their aquatic larvae can safely develop.

Why is this dragonfly called the four-spotted chaser?

This medium-sized dragonfly gets its common name from the distinct dark spots found on the leading edge of each of its four wings. These visible marks help observers identify it as it actively patrols its territory over the water.

What family does the Libellula quadrimaculata belong to?

The four-spotted chaser belongs to the Libellulidae family, which is the largest family of dragonflies. Insects in this group are commonly referred to as skimmers or chasers due to their hunting habits.

How does the four-spotted chaser reproduce?

After mating, the female four-spotted chaser lays her eggs by dipping her abdomen into the calm water of a pond or marsh. The eggs hatch into aquatic larvae, or nymphs, which live in the water until they mature into flying adults.

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