Southern Hawker
Aeshna cyanea
This record describes Aeshna cyanea (species). Recorded family: Aeshnidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
This is a large hawker. Usually males are black with large apple green spots on the abdomen and with blue markings on the last two segments and along the sides of the abdomen. Thorax sides are largely bright green, as is the face, with blue eyes. Females are duller, having pale green and blue markings. Distinguished from other Hawkers by the two 'head-light' markings on the thorax and also by the paired spots on the last two abdominal segments merging. Southern Hawker is often recorded well away from water, though for breeding purposes it prefers smaller water bodies with wooded margins; garden pools are well used breeding sites. Found from mid to late summer patrolling its territory before perching nearby. It can be curious of people and will fly up close to inspect the 'intruder' before carrying on its patrol. Quite common in the southern half of England and in Wales. This widespread species is often recorded well away from water, though for breeding purposes it prefers smaller water bodies with wooded margins; garden pools are well used breeding sites. Historic records suggest that it has always been a relatively common species in VC 55.
Wikipedia reference for Aeshna cyanea: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_hawker.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Southern Hawker is often recorded well away from water, though for breeding purposes it prefers smaller water bodies with wooded margins; garden pools are well used breeding sites.
Seasonal Activity
July to start of October.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Found from mid to late summer patrolling its territory before perching nearby. It can be curious of people and will fly up close to inspect the 'intruder' before carrying on its patrol.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Quite common in the southern half of England and in Wales.
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Aeshna cyanea. 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 Southern Hawker (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Southern Hawker
What is Southern Hawker?
Southern Hawker (Aeshna cyanea) is a species in the family Aeshnidae, within the order Odonata.
Where is Southern Hawker found?
Habitat: Southern Hawker is often recorded well away from water, though for breeding purposes it prefers smaller water bodies with wooded margins; garden pools are well used breeding sites.
When is Southern Hawker active?
Southern Hawker: seasonal activity - July to start of October..
What is the life cycle of a Southern Hawker?
Found from mid to late summer patrolling its territory before perching nearby. It can be curious of people and will fly up close to inspect the 'intruder' before carrying on its patrol.