Scarce Chaser (Libellula fulva)
One that has been increasing its range significantly since I started this project in 2017.
It is now a very common sight on the Somerset Levels.
Males have a blue abdomen with a dark thorax, and blue/grey eyes.
Females have an ochre abdomen and thorax with black marking down the middle of the abdomen.
Immature ones are very similar to females.
It can be confused with Black-tailed Skimmers.
Male
Male (Immature turning blue)
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male (Teneral / Newly Emerged)
Male (Teneral / Newly Emerged)
Female
Female
Female
Female
Female
Female
Female
Female (Maturing - Abdomen getting paler)
Females (Elderly)
Mating
Want to See
They like lowlands with slow moving water, rhynes are especially a favourite for them.
The Somerset Levels are particularly good.
Especially Good
RSPB Greylake (Late May / June)
Langport (River Parrett / River Yeo) (Late May / June)
-----------------------------------