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Species GroupDragonflies
Scientific NameAeshna cyanea
Status & Distribution

The species has become increasingly common in recent decades across most of England and Wales, apart from the far north of England. In Scotland it has spread northwards since 1988 and now has a localised distribution.

Habitat

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.

 

Flight PeriodSouthern Hawker
Adult Identification
  • Length: 70mm
  • Broad, bright ante-humeral stripes on the back of the thorax.
  • Dark wing veins and (pterostigma) wing spots.
  • Elongated triangular mark on segment 2 near the top of the abdomen.
  • Male: dark with bright green and blue markings. Rare blue form only has blue markings.
  • Female: brown with bright green markings.
  • Very inquisitive dragonfly that will often come close.
Larval Information

Hawkers have a long streamlined body-shape.

38-48mm

Thin mask (more that 3.5x long than wide).

Similar Species

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