David Element's Wildlife Web Page Dragonflies and Damselflies 5

David Element

Wildlife Photography

and Digital Video Images

_________ Dragonflies and Damselflies 5

NORFOLK HAWKER Aeshna isosceles (f)

CLUB-TAILED DRAGONFLY Gomphus vulgatissimus (f)

BROAD-BODIED CHASER Libellula depressa (m)

FOUR-SPOTTED CHASER Libellula quadrimaculata

SCARCE CHASER Libellula fulva (m)

KEELED SKIMMER Orthetrum coerulescens (m)

The Club-tailed Dragonfly is the only species of 'gomphid' in Britain although there are several other similar dragonflies on the Continent. It is rare, restricted to slow flowing, clean river systems (including the Thames and Severn) and has value as an indicator species for this type of habitat. The male (not illustrated) is less robust in appearance than the female and the club-tail is more evident. The yellow markings of the male become green as the insect matures. This dragonfly is on the wing quite early in the year, tends to emerge en masse and has a relatively short flight period (May - June). Other illustrations are shown on Dragonflies and Damselflies 1 and 10

The Scarce Chaser is another rare clean river indicator. This small 'libellulid' may be extending its range in response to improved water treatment. Immatures are orange-yellow with a striking black median marking along much of the dorsal surface of the abdomen. Older males develop a blue powdery pruinescence similar to that seen in other male members of the Libellula family (and occasionally very mature females). Other illustrations of this species are shown on Dragonflies and Damselflies 1 and 10

The Broad-bodied Chaser is a common and widespread member of the same family in the southern half of Britain. A mature male is illustrated. The female (not shown) is brown with a slightly broader abdomen than the male. This dragonfly will happily breed in small water-bodies, including suitable garden ponds. A semi-mature male is shown - the yellow markings on the sides of the abdomen usually disappear under the blue pruinescence in older males.

Blue pruinescence is also seen in mature male 'skimmers'. The Keeled Skimmer has a fragmented distribution in the British Isles, favouring acid heathland habitats. This is a smaller species than the other blue libellulids and there is no black mark at the tip of the abdomen. This is a reasonably easy species to approach for photography. Most of the strong populations are found in the West.