Broad-bodied Chaser

Libellula depressa Linnaeus, 1758

DESCRIPTION

This species features striking sexual dimorphism. Males have a blue abdomen, in juveniles also with yellowish spots fading with age. The female's abdomen is at first yellow-brown, then olive and finally dark brown, with yellow spots not fading with age. Both sexes feature dark areas at the wing base, larger and triangular on the hindwing, and a large and flattened abdomen.

PHENOLOGY

Early species, it flies from the beginning of May to the end of July, sometimes even in August.

HABITAT

The larvae can be found mainly in small still water bodies, not shadowy and then sometimes completely drying up in summer.

DISTRIBUTION

It can be found everywhere in Europe, except in the north-eastern part. In the Cuneo region it is widespread in suitable habitats in the plain and hills. Some individuals have been found, probably in dispersal, beyond 1500 meters above sea level.