Southern Hawker
Aeshna cyanea
A large species, appearing a striking array of greens, yellows and blues in the male, but no blue present in the females. Very pronounced greenish antehumeral stripes, a large yellowy-green triangle on the second abdominal segment and tail bands joined, blue in the male, green in the female, make it relatively easy to identify.
Very much on the north eastern limit of its national geographical range, there is a definite stronger presence of this species in the south of the county. It is common in southern Britain but largely absent from upland areas. It is a very confiding insect and frequently 'investigates' people who walk into its territory, allowing excellent close-up views.
It is unusual that it often flies when conditions seem unsuitable, early morning, dusk and cool, cloudy, sometimes rainy days. It often moves well away from water and will create a territory along a suitable hedgerow for example. Breeding areas cover a wide range of ponds, lakes, canals and ditches.
Distribution map
Male
Female
