Four-spotted Chaser
ExploreInsects
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
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
7
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
Ability
Aerial Acrobat
Four-spotted Chasers can fly forwards, backwards, and hover because of their independently moving wings that allow incredible agility.
Ability
Eagle-Eyed Hunter
Four-spotted Chasers have huge compound eyes that give them a nearly 360-degree view, helping them spot tiny prey far away.
Ability
Underwater Ninja
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
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Aerial
Aerial creatures spend a significant portion of their lives airborne, utilizing flight for various activities such as hunting, migration, or nesting.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Insectivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
Wetland
This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Speedster
This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel.
Also known as
Four-spotted Skimmer
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Four-spotted Chaser's wingspan?
65-75 mm
How big is Four-spotted Chaser?
40-48 mm
How long does Four-spotted Chaser live?
30-60 days
How fast can Four-spotted Chaser fly?
45 km/h
What does Four-spotted Chaser eat?
These speedy hunters catch and eat other small insects in the air to fuel their darting flight.
Where is Four-spotted Chaser usually found?
Wetlands and ponds
How does Four-spotted Chaser hunt?
Pursuit
How many legs does Four-spotted Chaser have?
6
Snap Map
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