Azure Hawker

Description

Length: 62mm

Flight Period: June to September (sometimes also late May)

The eyes of this medium sized Hawker touch for only a short distance. The costa is brown in both sexes.

Male: has extensive blue markings on the abdomen but only narrow stripes on the sides of the thorax. Ante-humerals are short and eyes are blue.

Female: occurs in two colour forms, brown or blue. Ante-humeral stripes are absent and the eyes are brown. The abdominal markings are smaller than in the male, giving the female a darker appearence.

Where to See

Latin NameAeshna caerulea
Habitat

Only in Scotland, found flying near boggy pools in moorland. Both sexes settle readily on tree trunks and rocks in cool conditions.

Status & Distribution

Scotland only. Widespread in the Highlands but rarely abundant.

Similar Species

Similar in appearence to other Hawkers but, as its range only overlaps that of the Common Hawker, it is unlikely to cause confusion.

Species GroupDragonflies
Family
Identification Notes
  • The eyes of this medium sized Hawker touch for only a short distance.
  • Male has extensive blue markings on the abdomen but only narrow stripes on the sides of the thorax.
  • Female occurs in two colour forms, brown or blue. The abdominal markings are smaller than in the male, giving the female a darker appearance.
  • Only found in Scotland, flying near boggy pools in moorland. Both sexes settle readily on tree trunks and rocks in cool conditions. Rarely abundant.
  • 62mm.
  • May – August

Similar Species

Golden-ringed Dragonfly
Emperor Dragonfly
Norfolk Hawker