The broad-bodied chaser is a medium-sized, broad-bodied dragonfly which is on the wing from the end of May to August. It is a common dragonfly of ponds and small lakes. It regularly returns to the same perch after swift flights out across the water looking for insects. Mating occurs on the wing, often taking less than a minute, after which the female will find a suitable spot to lay her eggs where she hovers over the water, dipping tip of her abdomen in and dropping her eggs on to vegetation below the surface.
Human activity, including the drainage of land for agriculture and the loss of ponds through development, has resulted in the disappearance of many wetlands. The Wildlife Trusts are working closely with planners, developers and farmers to ensure our wetlands are protected. You can help too: encourage dragonflies and damselflies into your garden by having a wildlife-friendly pond. In partnership with the RHS, The Wildlife Trusts' Wild About Gardens initiative can help you plan your wildlife garden with plenty of facts and tips to get you started.
