Migrant Hawker
Aeshna mixta
A smallish hawker, with a very late flight period, being on the wing from August to early November in the right weather conditions.
It can be separated from the Hairy Dragonfly on flight period, but care is needed when separating it from the much scarcer Common Hawker. The body markings in both sexes are similar, appearing rather dull blue dots in the male, dull green in the female, on a dark brown background, with absent or indistinct antehumeral stripes. A cream triangle / tack shaped mark can be seen on the top of the abdomen. The top of the wing has a dark costa. The anal appendages are very long.
Nationally it occurs predominantly below a line from the Humber to the Wash. It has dramatically expanded its range in recent years and is now moving into Yorkshire and Cheshire. It has a strong presence in the county and is often numerous where it is found, being less territorial than other Aeshna species. The south of the county, the coastal strip between Gibraltar Point and Donna Nook, the Lincoln gravel pits and the River Bain gravel pits are all favoured areas. It can often be found well away from water in woodland, along hedgerows and in gardens.
Distribution map
Male
Female
