A few days ago Dean asked whether Broad-bodied Chasers were able to co-exist with Four-spotted Chasers.
In the unpolluted high quality National Pond Survey sites – which are our most natural ponds – these two species were found in 15% and 20% of sites respectively: so both pretty widespread.
But although both species were found at getting on for a fifth of all good quality ponds in England, Wales and Scotland we only rarely found them together – in fact in only two locations of those we surveyed. So it looks as though they are not often found breeding at the same site.
Whether Broad-bodied Chaser chase off Four-spots I’m not sure: males are quite territorial, so it’s not impossible. However, it’s also likely that there are differences in habitat preferences of larvae with Broad-bodied Chasers clearly happy in very new ponds.
In Abingdon, we’ve so far only found Broad-bodied Chasers in the garden ponds.
July 23, 2010 at 9:07 am |
We mostly get Four-spotted Chasers at our pond, though Broad-bodieds also turn up every year. When the two are present at the same time, Four-spotteds seem to win the dogfights.
July 23, 2010 at 9:19 am |
Hi Katie
That’s interesting. I seem to remember your pond is quite natural – not such a formal garden pond, and quite rural? Or am I thinking of somewhere else?
Jeremy
July 23, 2010 at 12:52 pm |
Hi Jeremy
It’s not very formal, I suppose… maybe I mean not very tidy! But yes, it’s very rural – arable fields just the other side of the fence, and parkland just the other side of a minor road.
We dug it in June 2008 and it’s been one of the best things I’ve ever done.
Loads of blog posts about it here: http://bogbumper.blogspot.com/search/label/garden%20pond