A Forward by Ken Crick

Note: the profile of the indentation at the tip of the top central anal appendage can be clearly seen by sliding a cigarette paper between the outer appendages and the upper as can be seen in the lower two images of figure 10.

The Common Hawker (Aeshna juncea) has a broad labium (fig 9) and the epiproct has a pronounced bump in the centre i.e. distinctly bifid (fig10). See also main menu – Larvae – Common Hawker.

The Southern Hawker (Aeshna cyanea) has a long slender labium (fig 9) and a deep ‘U’ shaped cleft at the tip of the epiproct (fig 10). See also main menu – Larvae – Southern Hawker.

The Brown Hawker (Aeshna grandis) has a broader mask than the Southern Hawker but less so than the Common Hawker (fig 9). This combined with the diminutive nature of the bump in the centre of the cleft at the tip of the epiproct should lead one to seek confirmation via main menu – Larvae – Brown Hawker.  

  Figure 11

A brief scan of Figure 11 could leave one with the impression that all the species listed have a very similar outline. One approach is to address the rear legs. Those of the Emeralds (Cordulids) are long with the joint arrowed extending beyond the tip of the abdomen. If the image of the Downy Emerald above is magnified, a set of light teardrop marks can be seen on the upper surface of the abdomen, mimicking its outline, one to each abdominal segment either side of the centre line. For further confirmation see main menu – Larvae – Downy Emerald.

In the case of the Brilliant Emerald (Somatochlora metallica) these spots are almost black and two or more sets may be visible. See main menu – Larvae – Brilliant Emerald.

For Chasers the arrowed rear leg joint when extended is about level with the rear of the abdomen. See main menu – Larvae – Four Spotted Chaser and Broad Bodied Chaser for further significant features.

The Skimmers rear leg joint, shown arrowed, falls short of the rear of the abdomen. Both skimmers have a noticeably rectangular outline to the rear of the head and pimple like eyes when viewed from above. If the specimen under consideration is small approximately 20 mm but with wing buds reaching towards the centre of the abdomen go to main menu – Larvae – Keeled Skimmer.

If the specimen is large 23 to 25 mm try main menu – Larvae – Black Tailed Skimmer.

Darters have long thin legs; there is a noticeable separation between the rear of the head and the thorax. Their general outline is easily distinguished from the other groups represented above.

Note: one should be aware that for one regularly employed key feature, the lateral spines on abdominal segments 8 and 9, they can occasionally be the same length for both Common and Ruddy Darters. If in doubt make further reference to Steve Cham’s Field Guide to the larvae and exuviae of British Dragonflies Volume 1.

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