Four-spotted Chaser
Libellula quadrimaculata
Tap image to enlarge · Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The Four-spotted Chaser is named for the four dark spots on the wings — one at the base and one at the nodus of each forewing. A stocky, perching dragonfly that is extremely aggressive: it will charge and see off all other dragonflies from its territory. It sometimes migrates in enormous swarms — millions of individuals moving together — a phenomenon recorded across Europe. The dune slack ponds at Ainsdale are a reliable site.
At a Glance
| Order | Odonata |
| Family | Libellulidae |
| Habitat | Dune slack pond · Bog pond · Heathland pool |
| Diet | Flying insects |
| UK population | Common throughout Britain; can migrate in enormous swarms |
| Sefton Coast | Present at dune slack ponds; appears early in the season |
| Conservation | UK Green List |
Where to See It
Dune slack ponds at Ainsdale NNR. One of the first large dragonflies to appear in spring.
Identification
Stocky, perching dragonfly. Yellow-brown body. Four dark spots on wings — one at nodus and one at base of each forewing. Black tail tip. Very aggressive, perches prominently and charges intruders.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Visit dune slack ponds in June. Four-spotted Chasers perch prominently on waterside vegetation and charge anything that enters their territory. The four wing spots are visible at close range.
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
How large can Four-spotted Chaser migration swarms be?
Four-spotted Chasers sometimes migrate in swarms of millions — one recorded event in 1900 involved an estimated 2.4 billion individuals moving across Germany. Modern events are smaller but still impressive: British observers have recorded swarms of hundreds of thousands moving along coastlines. The ecological drivers of mass migration in this species are not fully understood.
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.