Four-spotted Chaser

Libellula quadrimaculata

The Four-spotted Chaser is a dragonfly with four dark spots on its wings. They are fast and love to dart around water!

Habitat: Wetlands and ponds

Appearance

The Four-spotted Chaser is a medium-sized dragonfly with a yellowish-brown body. Its transparent wings are distinctive, each featuring two prominent dark brown spots, giving it its unique four-spotted name. The leading edge of its wings often shows a striking yellow streak.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderOdonataFamilyLibellulidaeGenusLibellula

Four-spotted Chaser

Interesting facts

Wow! A baby chaser can live underwater for up to three years!

Wow! Dragonflies were flying before the dinosaurs even existed!

Wow! These dragonflies can migrate across entire continents!

Wow! They catch flying insects mid-air using their spiky legs!

Special abilities

Four-spotted Chasers can fly forwards, backwards, and hover because of their independently moving wings that allow incredible agility.

Four-spotted Chasers have huge compound eyes that give them a nearly 360-degree view, helping them spot tiny prey far away.

Young Four-spotted Chasers (nymphs) live underwater and have dull, mottled bodies that help them blend in with pond debris.

Measurements & details

Wingspan: 65-75 mm
Size: 40-48 mm
Lifespan: 30-60 days
Flight Speed: 45 km/h
Leg Count: 6

Diet & Feeding

These speedy hunters catch and eat other small insects in the air to fuel their darting flight.

Age differences: Larvae eat aquatic invertebrates and small vertebrates; adults hunt flying insects.

Primary Foods

mosquitoes
midges
flies
smaller butterflies

Foraging Method

Pursuit

Ecological connections

hunts

Yellow fever mosquito

Aedes aegypti

Helps control mosquito populations.

eaten by

Common Frog

Rana temporaria

Nymphs can be prey for amphibians.

eaten by

Common Kestrel

Falco tinnunculus

Adults are sometimes hunted by birds.

eats

Northern Pike

Esox lucius

Fish prey on dragonfly nymphs.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Aerial

Discover amazing creatures that spend much of their lives soaring high above the ground, often using wings to fly! They might hunt, travel, or even sleep up in the sky.

Colorful

Discover amazing plants and animals that show off a dazzling array of bright and beautiful hues! They use their vibrant colors to attract attention or send signals.

Insectivorous

Discover clever creatures that specialize in munching on insects, playing a super important role in keeping bug populations in check. They are nature's tiny bug vacuums!

Wetland

These fascinating areas are covered by water for at least part of the year, creating a perfect home for unique plants and animals, like marshes and swamps.

Diurnal

Wake up with creatures that are most active during the day! They love the sunshine for finding food, playing, and exploring.

Speedster

Discover creatures that dart, zip, and fly with incredible swiftness, making them masters of rapid movement in their habitats. They are built for speed, whether chasing prey or escaping danger.