| 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. Carl Linnaeus (Latinized as Carolus Linnaeus, also known after his ennoblement as, May 23 new style (13 May old style 1707 who laid the foundations for Anisoptera redirects here For the genus of trees see Anisoptera (tree. The skimmers or perchers and their relatives form the Libellulidae, the largest Dragonfly family in the world
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 developmental 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.
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Habitat
This active Dragonfly mainly lives by ponds, vernal pools, and slow flowing rivers, they are most common in June and July.
Identification
The brown colour and the four spots on the wings make them unmistakable.
Behaviour
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. They tend to be easier to approach than Broad-bodied Chasers. The Broad-bodied Chaser, Libellula depressa, is a European Dragonfly.
Gallery
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References
- Libellula quadrimaculata (TSN 101896). Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Integrated Taxonomic Information System ( ITIS) is a partnership designed to provide consistent and reliable information on the Taxonomy of biological Species Retrieved on 9 February 2006. Events 474 - Zeno crowned as co-emperor of the Byzantine Empire. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar.
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
 | This article related to dragonflies is a stub. Anisoptera redirects here For the genus of trees see Anisoptera (tree. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
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