Common and widespread. The flight period extends from mid May to the end of August. The Four-spotted Chaser is one of the commonest Irish dragonflies. It is particularly common on sheltered lowland lakes and ponds. It can also be found on acid bogs breeding in very small pools and on sheltered upland lakes. Adults are aggressive and very territorial.

This species may be confused with females and immature males of the Broad-bodied Chaser Libellula depressa and the Black-tailed Skimmer Orthetrum cancellatum, however in the latter two species there is no dark spot on the middle of the leading edge of the wings.

KEY IDENTIFICATION FEATURES

• Small brown patch on the middle of the leading edge of each wing, this combined with the dark pterostigma is the origin of the name "Four-spotted Chaser".
• Brown tapering abdomen, becoming black towards the posterior end.
• Yellow markings on sides of abdomen.
• Dark brown patch at the base of the wings.