Scarce Chaser Exuviae

Whilst at Westbere Lakes a few days ago photographing dragonflies, I was moving into a better position for some photos when I caught sight of a dragonfly exuviae on a reed at the side of the river. I have mentioned in previous posts about my desire to find a Scarce Chaser exuviae and I just knew with its location and seeing it was a Chaser exuviae, that it was going to be a Scarce Chaser. Having never seen one before but having read and looked at photos in books and the internet, there was one obvious feature in mind that I needed to check, this being the dorsal spines which are long and curved. I should have taken a few photos of the exuviae on the reed but it was in a position just hanging over the water and awkward to photograph but in the excitement of finding it, I just carefully removed it and put it in a plastic pot to be brought home to be photographed. I then spent an evening studying and photographing the exuviae at home where I was able to study notes in books with what I was actually seeing, thus hopefully deepening my knowledge in this area of odonata. Considering I have not been seeing many Scarce Chasers at Westbere this year, I think I was very fortunate indeed to find this one and maybe should spend more time actually with the camera in the bag and looking for the exuviae of different species. I shall continue to look for Norfolk Hawker exuviae in the dykes at Westbere but so far, this species still eludes me. Hopefully weather permitting, a visit in the week to see the Norfolk Hawkers at Westbere which seem to be slowly appearing in the dykes. 

Scarce Chaser Exuviae (side view) 

Scarce Chaser Exuviae showing shallow serration on Labial Palps 

Scarce Chaser Exuviae (side view) 

Scarce Chaser Exuviae (Top view) 

Scarce Chaser Exuviae (side view) 

Scarce Chaser Exuviae (side view) 

Scarce Chaser Exuviae showing prominent dorsal spines