Broad-bodied Chaser
Libellula depressa
Tap image to enlarge · Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The Broad-bodied Chaser was mentioned in the 1997 Sefton Coast article as a species heading northward. It's a dramatic dragonfly — the male has a pale sky-blue, flat, very broad abdomen that makes it look half as wide as it is long. It often colonises new ponds quickly. Its presence at Ainsdale dune slacks is linked to habitat creation through dune management. A very approachable, perching species that returns repeatedly to the same spot.
At a Glance
| Order | Odonata |
| Family | Libellulidae |
| Habitat | Dune slack pond · Garden pond · Any small open water |
| Diet | Flying insects |
| UK population | Common in England; expanding northward |
| Sefton Coast | Colonising — mentioned in 1990s as a potential colonist; now occasionally recorded at Ainsdale |
| Conservation | UK Green List |
Where to See It
Newer, shallow dune slack ponds at Ainsdale NNR. Colonising species.
Identification
Stocky, perching dragonfly. Male: brilliant pale blue, very broad flat abdomen — distinctive. Female: yellow-brown, same very wide, flat abdomen. Yellow spots on abdomen sides. Brown wing bases.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Check any new or shallow dune slack pond at Ainsdale. Males are unmistakeable — the very broad, blue abdomen is unlike any other dragonfly.
Conservation Status
UK Green List
This species has a favourable conservation status in the UK and remains an important part of Sefton Coast biodiversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Broad-bodied Chasers often the first dragonfly to colonise a new pond?
Broad-bodied Chasers are pioneer species — the females will lay eggs in almost any open freshwater, including garden ponds, newly created wildlife ponds and even puddles. Males are territorial and establish territories quickly once suitable water appears. This opportunism, combined with their strong dispersal ability, means they often appear at new water bodies within a year of creation.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.