Monday, 18 July 2022

University Parks, Oxford - 13 July

By the pond in the NE corner, near the river at SP517075

1m Broad-bodied Chaser

Treve Willis

Initially thought to be a Scarce Chaser, this individual was only a worn Broad-bodied Chaser for the following reasons:

  • Extensive dark patches at the bases of both the front and rear wings (on Scarce Chaser only rear wings have such extensive dark patches)
  • Pterostigma more extended than on Scarce Chaser. Also appear black, not dark brown.
  • Small black tip to abdomen - it is more extensive on Scarce Chaser
  • Although there are no yellow spots on the sides of the abdomen, there are markings there of the same size and shape.
  • Width of abdomen fits better with Broad-bodied. 
  • The eyes are not clearly blue
Broad-bodied Chaser © Trevor Willis

3 comments:

  1. Not convinced this is a scarce chaser. More likely a broad bodied chaser - non blue eyes, hint of antehumeral stripe and bold dark patches both wings (although yellow spots on abdomen not visible)

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Jeremy. I think you could well be right. Although there are no yellow spots there are markings where they normally are. Difficult to see the eye colour though. So maybe a worn Broad-bodied Chaser?

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  2. Agreed - this isn't a Scarce Chaser.

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