Southern Hawker

Prefers non acidic waters. Breeds in water line vegetation in well-vegetated, small ponds, often in garden ponds. Hunts well away from water and may be found hawking woodland rides well into the evening.

Very common in southern and central England and Wales, more local elsewhere (vagrant only to Ireland).

Similar in appearance to other Hawkers. Can be distinguish by its coloration and the broad and strongly coloured ante-humeral stripes on the thorax.

• Length: 70mm
• Broad and strongly coloured ante-humeral stripes on the thorax.
• Dark costa (leading wing vein).
• Elongated triangular mark on segment 2.
• Male: dark with brightly green markings and pale blue markings near the end of the abdomen on segments 8-10. Some just have pale blue markings.
• Female: brown with bright green markings.
• Very inquisitive dragonfly that will often come close.