Four-spotted Chaser
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| Libellula quadrimaculata Linnaeus, 1758 |
The Four-spotted Chaser, known in North America as the Four-spotted Skimmer (Libellula quadrimaculata) is a dragonfly of the family Libellulidae found throughout Europe, Asia, and North America.
A common species of Dragonfly. In the United Kingdom, the adult stage is found between April to early September. Mid May to mid August in Ireland. Larvae have a two year developemental cycle. Adults feeding predominantly on mosquitos, gnats and midges, the larvae feed primarily on other aquatic insect larvae and on tadpoles.
There is a variant form, praenubila Newman, which has exaggerated wing spots. This is believed to be related to water temperatures during larval development, and appears to be more common in Europe than in the Americas.
The male is considered to be highly aggressive and will defend a given territory from incursions from other males of the species. The male is known to form preferences for prominent perches and will often return to the same perches around the margins of pools and ponds whilst it patrols for intruders. Both Sexes are prolific fliers and mating takes place in the air, rather than on perches or amongst the vegetation. The female lays her eggs on floating vegetation.
[edit] References
- Libellula quadrimaculata (TSN 101896). Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Accessed on 9 February 2006.
[edit] External links
- USA Distribution Data
- British Dragonfly Society
- Photo
- Photo of L. q. praenubila
- Libellula quadrimaculata at AzOdes
- Libellula quadrimaculata at funet.fi
- Libellula quadrimaculata profile and photos
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