Classification
Libellula quadrimaculata, most commonly known as the Four-Spotted Chaser. This common name of a "chaser" originates from the organism's tendencies; if any organism or any other dragonfly is near its territory, it will viciously chase them away. It is called the "four-spotted" chaser because of the dark spots on each of its wings - there are commonly two spots on each wing, totalling four on each side of the body.
This picture was taken from
BugGuide.net with permission from Karl Volkman. All rights
reserved to Karl Volkman. This is a picture of the Libellula
quadrimaculata that has landed on a blade of grass, shows the
veined wings and how the wings and the body are pretty much the same
size.
Domain: Eukarya
Highest taxonomic rank of organisms. Eukaryote are defined
as an organism whose cells contain complex structures within
membranes.
Kingdom: Animalia
Kingdom is the second highest taxonomic rank of organisms
This kingdom is defined as all animals that are living or extinct.
Phylum: Arthropoda
An arthropod is defined as an
invertebrate having a segmented body, jointed limbs, and usually chitinous
shell that undergoes molting.
Class: Insecta
The class insecta is usually defined as having three main
body parts, three pairs of legs, two pairs of wings, metamorphosis
which means that the organism undergoes many stages of development,
compound eyes, complex mouthparts and a pair of antennae.
Order: Odonata
Odonata are some of the Earths
oldest organisms, they are defined as carnivorous insects, who have
large rounded heads which are mostly covered by there large compound
eyes. There legs are very useful for catching prey, they have two
pairs of transparent wings and a very elongated abdomen. Also the
meaning of Odonata means toothed jaws.
Family: Libellulidae
Libelluidae are usually known as skimmers, preachers or
chasers, they are the largest dragonfly family in then world. Wing
pattern is usually used to define this family.
Genus: Libellula
Mostly new world dragonflies. Mainly described by
their wing patterns.
Species: Libellula quadrimaculata
Common name is four-spotted skimmer or chaser, know as
this because of the four spots one on each of their wings, and
because of how aggressive they are.