Southern Hawker, Aeshna cyanea

Size

Large; body length 50mm to 60mm.

Colour-patterning

Males have a pair of broad green bands on the thorax behind the eyes and pairs ofgreen spots on each of the abdominal segments. The green spots become blue over the last three abdominal segments and fuse together to form transverse bands. The abdominal patterning becomes entirely blue in old specimens. Characteristically, there is a narrow, yellow, inverted triangle on the second abdominal segment. Females are very similarly patterned but the spots on the abdomen are green throughout.

Behaviour

The males are very territorial and chase off any other males that stray onto, or challenge, their territory. They are strong fliers and patrol their territory for long periods during which they frequently chase after insect prey into the canopy of trees. They will settle in the sun for extended periods on shrubs and trees. It is an inquisitive species that will closely approach you if you stand still.

Where to look for it

Whilst it is most often seen hawking around ponds and slow flowing rivers and streams, it is frequently seen well away from water and is not an uncommon sight in the streets of the built up areas of Plymouth.  Bircham Valley, Forder Valley and Efford Marsh Local Nature Reserves offer excellent opportunities to view the species they particularly favour the ride along the bottom of Efford Marsh.

Distribution and status

It is locally common in Plymouth.

When to look for it

Any time between late June to early October with August and September being the best months.

Similar species

The only other large spotted dragonfly recorded from Plymouth is the Migrant Hawker, Aeshna mixta, which has very inconspicuous bands on its thorax and the spots on the last segments of the abdomen are clearly separated and not fused to form transverse bands.

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