Head to head
Broad-bodied Chaser vs Twelve-Spotted Skimmer
Broad-bodied Chaser
VS Twelve-Spotted Skimmer
The broad-bodied chaser of Europe and the twelve-spotted skimmer of North America are close relatives in the genus Libellula, both stocky pond dragonflies with marked wings.
| Broad-bodied Chaser | Twelve-Spotted Skimmer | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Libellula depressa | Libellula pulchella |
| Relationship | A close relative of the twelve-spotted skimmer, in the same genus | A close relative of the broad-bodied chaser, in the same genus |
| Wing markings | A dark patch at the base of each wing, which stands out in flight | Exactly three dark spots on each of its four wings, twelve in total |
| Mature male | A wide, flattened abdomen covered in a pale blue powder, with yellow patches along its edges | Develops extra white spots between the dark spots on each wing, intensifying with age |
| Body | A wide, flattened abdomen, much broader than that of most dragonflies of its size | A broad, robust body, among the larger skimmers found in North America |
| Behaviour | Perches on bare ground or plant stems, then chases off rivals and intercepts passing insects | Males perch prominently at pond edges and defend a territory, darting out and returning to the same perch |
| Habitat and range | Ponds, ditches, and gravel pits across Europe, North Africa, and parts of western Asia | Ponds, lakes, and slow streams across most of the United States and southern Canada |
| Conservation status | Least Concern, and quick to colonise new ponds | Least Concern |
Broad-bodied Chaser vs Twelve-Spotted Skimmer: common questions
Why is it called the twelve-spotted skimmer?
It has exactly three dark spots on each of its four wings, twelve in total.
Are the broad-bodied chaser and twelve-spotted skimmer related?
Yes, both belong to the genus Libellula, one in Europe and the other in North America.
Which one is blue?
The mature male broad-bodied chaser, whose wide abdomen is covered in a pale blue powder.