Southern Hawker (Aeshna cyanea)

Southern Hawker

This is a very large & colourful dragonfly, it is fairly abundant in the south of the UK but not exclusively so, it can be seen further north and is extending its range.

This species could be easily confused with the Common Hawker, which is rarer than its name suggests.

The Southern Hawker displays green & blue spots on its abdomen whereas the Common Hawker has all blue spots. The Southern Hawker has broader yellow stripes on the top of its thorax.

The Southern Hawker can be seen in flight from July through to late September.

This is an inquisitive species, which will fly close to check you out and may even perch on your clothing.