Southern Migrant Hawker

Can often be found hawking along damp reedy ditches. Breeds in standing water in its normal, Mediterranean habitat.

This rare migrant appears to be becoming more frequent in the UK, and is a potential colonist. After a single confirmed record during the twentieth century, four individuals were observed in southern England during 2006. During 2010 many individuals were then seen in south Essex and north Kent, with oviposition being noted at two sites.

May be confused with other Hawker species.

Southern Migrant Hawker can be distinguished by its:

• Coloration
• Distinctive triangle marking on segment 2.
• Very small antehumeral markings on the back of the thorax.

• Length: 60mm
• Paired dots down the abdomen.
• Elongated triangle marking on segment 2.
• Very small antehumeral markings on the back if the thorax.
• Male: Blue eyes. Green/blue thorax. Dark abdomen with blue markings.
• Female: Brown eyes. Yellow and brown thorax. Brown abdomen with yellow markings.

Hawkers have a long streamlined body-shape.

30-39mm

Short mask (length less than 3x that of the width).