Southern hawker dragonfly, Aeshna cyanea
Southern hawker dragonfly, Aeshna cyanea (submitted by NaturePlus user jonty)
These large dragonflies have a mainly black body, with colourful markings. The 2 thick pale stripes on the back of the thorax, between the head and the wings, are a characteristic feature.
Male and female southern hawkers look similar, but the colouring of the pattern is different. In males it is usually blue and green, while females are yellow and green.
Southern hawkers are common in the midlands, southern England and Wales. Breeding in still or slow-flowing water, when water quality is good, they are often found in parks and gardens.
The adults fly from July to September. They are one of the more inquisitive dragonflies and will often fly up to people for a closer inspection.
