Saturday, 30 June 2012

Four-spotted Chaser.

While photographing Broad-bodied Chasers recently I also noticed that another similar species was also present around a local pond. 

The Four-spotted Chaser (Libellula quadrimaculata) has a much longer tapering abdomen (dark brown with yellow sides) and is easily identified by the additional spot in the middle of the leading edge of each wing when the individual is resting.


 Both sexes are very similar and the colouration of the body just gets darker as they mature.

On a seperate visit I managed to find this immature female ... much brighter in colour and with more extensive dark marks near the wing tips which could indicate that this is the form praenubila.  FAB.
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13 comments:

  1. Carol Mattingly30 June 2012 at 23:47

    That last image looks almost electrified Frank. I've seen more dragonflies this year than butterflies. Hope you're not having triple digits over there like we are here. You can't go outside at all. Enjoy the weekend. I've been wondering if your Dad's doing ok. Carol

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  2. Jerry30 June 2012 at 23:56

    Thanks for the info and piccies Frank - hopefully it'll come in use with me one day though I'm not that great on my dragonflies.

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  3. Red1 July 2012 at 00:17

    So much to learn about all the dragon flies! The photography help as you can make them stand still.

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  4. Q1 July 2012 at 03:34

    These are delightful Dragonflies.
    It is so very hot at my house I have not been to the pond to watch Dragonflies....
    Beautiful photographs.
    Sherry

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  5. Carole M.1 July 2012 at 05:02

    fabulous close-ups of your dragonfly

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  6. John1 July 2012 at 08:45

    Nice shots Frank! You say they are easy to identify, not for me! But then again, I am learning! ;)
    J
    Follow me at HEDGELAND TALES

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  7. Midmarsh John1 July 2012 at 13:29

    Brilliant photos Frank. I seem to have a dearth of dragons and damsels here at the moment.

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  8. Montanagirl1 July 2012 at 16:02

    Always enjoy your photography. You see so many wonderful insects, birds, etc. Nice to see you back.

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  9. JRandSue1 July 2012 at 19:27

    Superb set Frank,keep well.
    John.

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  10. FAB1 July 2012 at 20:53

    Hi Carol. No chance of us overheating over here ... just wet, wet, wet!

    Cheers Jerry. Nor was I until I started to photograph them a year or so ago.

    Hi Red. I often take a shot and then search my ID guide for the proper identification later.

    Thank you Sherry. I hope your high temps don't keep you away from the wildlife for too long.

    Thanks Carole M.

    John. A good ID guide is a must.

    Thanks Midmarsh John. We just need a few less windy days here to be able to locate a few more species.

    Thanks Mona. It's good to be back.

    JRandSue. Thanks very much John.

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  11. Lois Evensen1 July 2012 at 21:05

    What beautiful dragon flies and I love your header image.

    Happy Sunday from Port Canaveral,
    Lois

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  12. Unknown1 July 2012 at 22:27

    Seriously good close up images great stuff.

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  13. FAB1 July 2012 at 22:33

    Thank you Lois. Happy Sunday to you.

    Cheers Anthony. Compliment graciously accepted.

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I hope you enjoyed your visit and I always appreciate your comments and feedback.

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