Migrant Hawker, Aeshna mixta

Size

Large; body length 45mm to 50mm.

Colour-patterning

Males have a very inconspicuous pair of pale yellowish bands on the thorax behind the eyes with predominantly blue paired spots running down either side of the abdomen. A narrow, cream, inverted triangle characterises the second abdominal segment. Females are very similarly patterned but the spots on the abdomen are green or yellow-green throughout.

Behaviour

The males of this species are far more tolerant of other males of the same species and will often be found in small groups within the same territory. It is more wary than the Southern Hawker, Aeshna cyanea, and is easily disturbed when resting on shrubs and waterside vegetation.

Where to look for it

It is most commonly found around ponds, drainage ditches and slow-flowing streams and rivers. It has only been positively identified in Forder Valley Local Nature Reserve.

Distribution and status

It must be regarded as extremely rare in Plymouth with only a single egg-laying female having been positively identified. Two further recent possible sightings must remain unconfirmed.

When to look for it

Any time between late July to late October.

Similar species

The only other large spotted dragonfly recorded from Plymouth is the Southern Hawker, Aeshna cyanea, which has very conspicuous bands on its thorax and the spots on the last segments of the abdomen are fused to form transverse bands.

Technical note: The only specimen of this species, a female, found in Plymouth was videoed (see associated images of the female the male was videoed in Exminster Marshes). The species is characterised by having, proportionally, the longest abdominal appendages of any British Aeshnid. However, the Plymouth specimen clearly had extremely short appendages and there was no clear indication that they had been damaged at some stage.

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