Southern Migrant Hawker - British Dragonfly Society

Description

Length: 60mm

Flight Period: July-August (occasionally late June and early August)

This small Hawker is superficially similar to the Migrant Hawker but the mark on S2 is blue in the male and the sides of the thorax are all blue-green with fine dark lines. The blue markings on the abdomen are a little more prominent than in Migrant Hawker. The female is similar ot the male but with all yellowish sides to the thorax, paired yellow dots down the abdomen and a yellow triangle on segment 2.

Where to See

Latin Name	Aeshna affinis
Habitat	Can often be found hawking along damp reedy ditches. Breeds in standing water in its normal, Mediterranean habitat.
Status & Distribution	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.
Similar Species	Similar to Migrant Hawker but seems more blue in appearance and without a dark panel on the side of the thorax.
Species Group	Dragonflies
Family
Identification Notes	This is a vagrant dragonfly species, please attach an image when submitting the record

Similar Species

Golden-ringed Dragonfly

Emperor Dragonfly

Norfolk Hawker