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Broad-bodied Chaser

Libellula depressa

The Broad-bodied Chaser is a beautiful dragonfly with a wide, flat body and bright blue or yellow colors. They love to fly around ponds and lakes, catching insects in the air.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Broad-bodied Chaser has a notably wide, flattened body. Males are striking sky-blue with distinct dark patches at the base of their hindwings. Females and juveniles are yellow-brown, making them look quite different from the males.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderOdonataFamilyLibellulidaeGenusLibellula
Broad-bodied Chaser
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Broad-bodied Chaser

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Broad-bodied Chasers are often among the first dragonflies to colonize new ponds!

Dragonfly nymphs, called larvae, can breathe underwater by sucking water into their bottom!

Their huge eyes are made of thousands of tiny lenses, like a super-HD camera!

These dragonflies are fierce hunters that help control mosquito populations near water.

Special abilities

Ability

Super Sight

Broad-bodied Chaser has enormous compound eyes that give them almost 360-degree vision, helping them spot tiny prey and avoid predators.

Ability

Master Pilot

Broad-bodied Chaser can control its four wings independently, allowing incredible hovering, darting, and acrobatic aerial maneuvers.

Ability

Underwater Hunter

Broad-bodied Chaser nymphs have an extendable jaw, or 'mask,' that shoots out to grab unsuspecting aquatic creatures.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
60-80 mm
Size
39-48 mm
Lifespan
400-1100 days
Flight Speed
25 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

They are fierce hunters that catch and eat smaller insects in mid-air!

Age differences: Nymphs eat aquatic invertebrates; adults eat flying insects.

Primary Foods

  • midges
  • mosquitoes
  • flies
  • butterflies
  • smaller dragonflies

Foraging Method

  • Pursuit

Ecological connections

hunts

common house mosquito

Culex pipiens

as a flying adult

hunts

house fly

Musca domestica

caught mid-flight

eaten by

common frog

Rana temporaria

adults and nymphs

eaten by

European perch

Perca fluviatilis

nymphs are prey

Traits

Also known as

Broad-bodied Dragonfly

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Dragonflies are safe to watch, but don't try to catch them; they are delicate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Broad-bodied Chaser's wingspan?

60-80 mm

How big is Broad-bodied Chaser?

39-48 mm

How long does Broad-bodied Chaser live?

400-1100 days

How fast can Broad-bodied Chaser fly?

25 km/h

What does Broad-bodied Chaser eat?

They are fierce hunters that catch and eat smaller insects in mid-air!

Where is Broad-bodied Chaser usually found?

Wetlands

How does Broad-bodied Chaser hunt?

Pursuit

How many legs does Broad-bodied Chaser have?

6

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