Libellula quadrimaculata Linnaeus, 1758
Four-spotted Chaser
Type locality: unknown, unknown
Diagnosis
Easily recognised by its large size, brown body and the black wing spots for which it is named, one at the node of each wing. Body largely and uniformly translucent brown in both sexes. Abdomen tapered, terminal three-fifths (S6-10) black, sides S4-8 narrowly yellow. All wings deeply amber at base, with unique black spot at node. Hindwing base with large blackish triangles but, unlike other Libellula species, forewing is amber at base rather than black. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Lewington 2006]
Habitat description
Standing waters, but also streams, in open landscapes. Usually with emergent and aquatic vegetation, often with a soft (like muddy) bottom. Inferred to occur from 0 to 2600 m above sea level.
Distribution
Map citation: Clausnitzer, V., K.-D.B. Dijkstra, R. Koch, J.-P. Boudot, W.R.T. Darwall, J. Kipping, B. Samraoui, M.J. Samways, J.P. Simaika & F. Suhling, 2012. Focus on African Freshwaters: hotspots of dragonfly diversity and conservation concern. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment 10: 129-134.
Citation: Dijkstra, K.-D.B (editor). African Dragonflies and Damselflies Online. http://addo.adu.org.za/ [2024-10-05].