Southern Hawker - Aeshna cyanea

Photos

A male Southern Hawker taken by myself, along with photos contributed by Rory Morrisey

  • Southern Hawker - Aeshna cyanea:  A3P3877
    Male, Felmersham NR
  • Southern Hawker - Aeshna cyanea:  A3P3883
    Male, Felmersham NR
  • Southern Hawker - Aeshna cyanea: SouthernhawkerLinsladeWoods04082007
    Immature male, Linslade Woods - Photograph kindly donated by Rory Morrisey
  • Southern Hawker - Aeshna cyanea: SouthernhawkerOvipositingAlwinsField 1 14092007
    Female ovipositing, Alwins Field - Photograph kindly donated by Rory Morrisey
  • Southern Hawker - Aeshna cyanea: SouthernhawkerOvipositingAlwinsField 2 14092007
    Female ovipositing, Alwins Field - Photograph kindly donated by Rory Morrisey
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Main features

Large dragonfly, with a prominent apple green thorax. The male has mostly green spots along the upper surface of abdomen, with blue spots on the side, and also the upper side of S8, 9 & 10.

The female is similar to the male, with green spots rather than blue.

Often flies alone, and is quite curious of people, will often come to investigate.

Habitat

Prefers woodland pools, ponds and lakes with plenty of surrounding trees and hedges. Often seen late in the day away from water hawking along clearings in search of food. Also a common visitor to garden ponds.

Where to see

Widespread around the county, but not usually seen in large numbers. I've mostly encountered them at Felmersham NR.

Visible from mid June to October