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Home > Latest News > 2008 > 7 > 7 >

A first at Slimbridge – the Scarce Chaser

 

Scarce Chaser at WWT SlimbridgeStaff at Slimbridge Wetland Centre are excited by the arrival of a new species, not previously see on the lower Severn. The Scarce Chaser dragonfly is, as its name suggests, a rare insect, so the fact that it appears to be increasing its territory into new areas is encouraging, and underlines the importance of the Slimbridge reserve for the conservation of all wildlife.

The Scarce Chaser (Libellula fulva) is predominantly orange-brown, with decorative black triangles on its back. The male has a blue abdomen.

At least 2 females and 8 males have been seen, and they are known to have been mating, so it is highly likely that they are now mating on the reserve.

Wildlife is never static, and this is a great example of the increasing biodiversity of the Slimbridge reserve, where visitors will frequently be rewarded by sitings of new species.