Broad Bodied Chaser (Libellula depressa)

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The Broad Bodied Chaser

This is perhaps one of my favourite dragonfly species and I look forward to seeing it at the beginning of each season. It is a very obliging subject to approach and photograph and can often be seen perching in the spring sunshine on low lying emergent vegetation adjacent to the bodies of still water where it breeds.

It is a strong looking dragonfly and is one of the first to be seen on the wing. It can be seen in its bright yellow colouring (immature) from late April to early May. Its flight season lasts through to early August.

The abdomen of the male gradually turns to a fine powder blue. This transition may be seen in specimens that exhibit both the hues simultaneously, which can be clearly seen in the image above.

The mature male has dark patches at the base of its wings and yellow cusps on side of its blue abdomen which makes it unmistakable. In flight at first glance it can take on the appearance of a giant wasp.

The female retains the yellow abdominal colouring which dulls with age and also has the wing patches. The eyes of both sexes are brown.

This Chaser is a very striking dragonfly and is one that is hard to miss. It can offer up some really fantastic image opportunities.

Photographic Overview - The Broad Bodied Chaser

All of my images are taken in handheld mode without the use of any camera support and this overview is written with that in mind.

The Broad Bodied Chaser perches very readily on the bare tall dead stems of last years emergent vegetation. They bask in the sun's warmth with their wings held out rigidly in the classic crucifix position.

They will tolerate a stealthy approach from the rear and some really close up shots are possible with no real compositional issues to worry about. A moderate depth of field will capture the head, tail and both wing tips in perfect sharpness. Try to find a subject on an isolated perch to avoid a confused background.

If disturbed they will not venture very far, often settling close by or even returning to the same perch. This is particularly so of an adult terratorial male. Try waiting patiently by the perch for the subjects return and you will already be in position for a really great shot. The bright and spectacular colours of this dragonfly make for some very rewarding and satisfying images.

If you want to know more about this species, then follow this link - To Narrative

Like to see further images of this dragonfly, then follow this link - To Further Images

If you want to see the best of these images, then follow this link - To Slide Show

These images were obtained by stealth and patience alone, no other non photographic techniques were used. I hope you have enjoyed browsing my website and that you'll return again soon.

All featured images were taken by and remain the property of Chris Brooks

Page Updated 05/11

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