Genus Aeshna Higher classification Aeshna | Family Aeshnidae Scientific name Aeshna grandis Rank Species | |
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Similar Aeshna, Odonate, Migrant hawker, Southern hawker, Dragonfly | ||
Brown hawker dragonfly aeshna grandis
The brown hawker (Aeshna grandis) is a large dragonfly about 73 millimetres (2.9 in) long. It is a distinctive species and is easily recognised, even in flight, by its brown body and bronze wings. At rest, blue spots on the second and third segments of the male's abdomen can be noticed; these are absent in female.
Contents
The flight time is mainly July to September. The nymph has stripes on the side of the thorax and distinct banding on the legs.
Brown hawker eats migrant hawker
Distribution
Aeshna grandis is common in middle and eastern Europe. In Europe, it can be found everywhere from Ireland to the Urals, with some exceptions like Scotland, northernmost Scandinavia and the Iberian and Apennine peninsulas. There is a population in the Balkans.
It is widespread in England but commonest in the South East; local in Ireland and rare in Scotland. It is found on well-vegetated ponds, lakes and canals. It patrols a regular hunting territory around margins which is vigorously defended against intruders.
