European regional assessment: Least Concern (LC)
EU 27 regional assessment: Least Concern (LC)

Libellula quadrimaculata is one of the most widespread and common dragonflies in Europe and not under any threat. It is therefore assessed as Least Concern.

L. quadrimaculata is a Palearctic as well as a Nearctic species.

The species is widespread and abundant in most of Europe but is scarcer in the Mediterranean where it is absent from most of the islands.

This species is one of the most widespread and common dragonflies in Europe and occurs in large populations. It used to be encountered regularly in large migration swarms, but these have not been taking place in Europe since the 1970s, which might reflect an overall decline in population density (Kalkman et al. 2015).

L. quadrimaculata is one of the most common and widespread dragonflies. The species is found in the most varied habitats, in eutrophic, acidic as well as slightly brackish water. The greatest density seems to be found in slightly nutrient-poor and acidic environments. It quickly colonises new suitable sites and is known to migrate. During the 2000s, it has been found further north than before, which is probably due to both better knowledge and an expansion of its distribution, the latter perhaps because of climate change. L. quadrimaculata is one of the most reported species due its characteristic pattern, large distribution, and long flight period. The males are aggressive towards each other, and they do not miss a chance to chase away an intruder. The area is scouted by alternately active flying back and forth low over the water surface, and then from vegetation standing upright in the water or protruding at the edge. They like to return to the same vantage point and often stand still in the air for short periods. Under favourable conditions, many males can be found in a small area. Foraging takes place adjacent to the aquatic habitats, but it is often seen far from these. Females that visit water quickly become attacked by one or more males in pure mating zeal. Mating is over at lightning speed, whereupon the male guards the female during egg laying, which takes place during flight. The larval development lasts two to three years. The exuviae are found on vegetation adjacent to the water (Billqvist et. al 2019).

The species is not under any threat, but it can be expected that it will decline locally or regionally in areas where it is dependent on large populations in oligotrophic habitats as these habitats are in sharp decline.

There is no trade or use of this species.

No conservation measures are needed.