Description

Large Hawker with paired spots down the abdomen.

Male: black with blue spots the abdomen and thin yellow ante-humeral stripes on the thorax.

Female: brown with yellow, blue or green spots on the abdomen and very small/absent ante-humeral stripes.

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Species GroupDragonflies
Scientific NameAeshna juncea
Status & Distribution

Common in western England, Wales and Scotland. This species has declined in England since 1995.

Habitat

In moorland habitats with acidic pools.

Sometimes seen hunting woodland rides at dusk.

Flight PeriodCommon Hawker
Adult Identification
  • Length: 74mm
  • Paired spots on each abdominal segment.
  • Yellow costa (leading wing vein).
  • Broad stripes on side of the thorax.
  • Male: Blue eyes. Black with blue spots the abdomen and thin yellow ante-humeral stripes on the thorax.
  • Female: Brown-green eyes. Brown with yellow, blue or green spots on the abdomen and very small/absent ante-humeral stripes.
Larval Information

Hawkers have a long streamlined body-shape.

40-51mm.

Broad mask.

No abdominal lateral spines on segment 6.

No banding on body or legs.

Threats
  • Climate change; increasing temperatures and erratic rainfall threaten the species bog pool habitat.
  • Ditch installation and drainage.
  • Peat cutting.
  • Forestation of the uplands.
Similar Species

Similar in appearance to other Hawkers but only shares its moorland habitat with Azure Hawker. The Common Hawker is larger, has yellow markings and yellow costa (leading wing vein) instead of brown.