Mostly associated with large, well vegetated ponds and lakes, but may be found over canals and slow moving rivers.

The female lays her eggs, alone, in floating pondweed.

Found across Wales, most of England; its distribution has greatly increased since the 1990s. The species has been recorded in Scotland since 2003 and can be found on the southern and eastern coasts of southern Scotland.

May be confused with other Hawkers.

Can be differentiated by its:

• Large size
• Drooping abdomen (in flight)
• Bright blue and green colouration.