Brown Hawker
Aeshna grandis
This record describes Aeshna grandis (species). Recorded family: Aeshnidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
This large dragonfly is easily distinguished. Both sexes are a rich brown and have a distinctive golden-brown wings, which is often the most striking character of flying individuals. The male has two small blue spots on segment 2 and blue spots along the sides of the abdomen. Both sexes have yellow thorax stripes which are very bright yellow in males but duller in females. Breeding in a wide range of habitats ranging from still waters to slow flowing rivers, and frequently encountered in urban areas. Mainly found in central and southern England.
Wikipedia reference for Aeshna grandis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brown_hawker.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Breeding in a wide range of habitats ranging from still waters to slow flowing rivers, and frequently encountered in urban areas.
Seasonal Activity
June to October.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Mainly found in central and southern England.
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Aeshna grandis. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Odonata includes ~6,000 described species of dragonflies and damselflies. Dragonflies are among the fastest flying insects, reaching 36 mph (58 km/h). They can fly in any direction including backward, and hover in place - each wing operates independently.
Ecological role of the group
Dragonflies predate dinosaurs by nearly 100 million years - fossils date to 325 million years ago. The largest dragonfly ancestor, Meganeuropsis permiana (285 mya), had a 75cm wingspan, enabled by atmospheric oxygen levels of 31-35% compared to today's 21%. Dragonflies have a 95% hunting success rate - the highest of any predator.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Dragonflies are voracious predators that consume hundreds of mosquitoes daily, providing natural pest control worth millions in reduced mosquito-borne disease risk. A single dragonfly can eat 30 to hundreds of mosquitoes per day.
Recorded sources for this group: Natural History Museum London, Britannica, fossil record research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Brown Hawker (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Brown Hawker
What is Brown Hawker?
Brown Hawker (Aeshna grandis) is a species in the family Aeshnidae, within the order Odonata.
Where is Brown Hawker found?
Habitat: Breeding in a wide range of habitats ranging from still waters to slow flowing rivers, and frequently encountered in urban areas.
When is Brown Hawker active?
Brown Hawker: seasonal activity - June to October..