Four Spotted Chaser (Libellula quadrimaculata)
Photography by Chris Brooks
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The Four Spotted Chaser
This is another early season dragonfly that can be seen in locally large numbers from early to mid May. Its flight season is long and can last until mid August.
It derives its name from the four spots, one located centrally on the front leading edge of each of its wings.
Early specimens can display vivid colouring as can be seen in the main picture. These colours dull with age.
This Chaser is widely distributed in all of the United Kingdom and is a common sight on all manner of still- water, canals, bogs & slow flowing rivers.
Both sexes are very similar in appearance as can be seen in the images to the right. Their main colouring is an orange / brown when immature, this fades with age to an olive / dull brown in mature specimens.
The wings are clear & have dark patches at their base. The four abdominal segments towards the tail are partially black.
The best way to tell the sexes apart is to closely examine the anal appendages. The males meet initially and then diverge, the females are more or less parallel to one another.
(Click on thumbnails to enlarge the images)
Photographic Overview - The Four Spotted 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.
This is another very obliging subject to the stealthy photographer. Once they become used to your presence some really close up shots are possible. Do not give up when they initially fly off, they will settle again nearby but try to be unobtrusive.
This Chaser is fond of perching in the classic crucifix position, in tall grasses or similar emergent vegetation. There are few compositional issues however a still day is required for really sharp images, focusing on a swaying subject will lead to blurred images. The wings of this colourful dragonfly are perhaps some of the most striking you will see in the United Kingdom and will present some really amazing detail opportunities.
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 -
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 and that you'll return again soon.
All of these photographs were taken by and remain the property of Chris Brooks
Page Updated 11/09
Chris Brooks Photography
(www.dragonfly-images.co.uk)
