Scarce Chaser (Libellula fulva)

The Scarce Chaser

This is the rarest of the three species of Chaser Dragonflies to inhabit the UK. It can be seen on the wing from mid May through to mid August.

It is most likely to be confused with a Black Tailed Skimmer; but the Scarce Chaser has steel blue eyes, dark patches at the base
of the rear wings & small dark patches on the wing tips.

Immatures & females are unmistakable,they exhibit bright orange abdomens, with black markings.

This is a river species often seen basking on tall unbellifers in the adjacent meadows.

The Dorset Stour is prehaps the home of this Chaser; however they are colonising the River Wey in Surrey and Hampshire.