Migrant Hawker (Aeshna mixta)

The Migrant Hawker

This hawker is one of the later dragonflies to emerge, appearing in late July to early August and can be seen on the wing into October. It is also one of the smallest hawker dragonflies in the United Kingdom.

This was once, as its name suggests a very rare migrant to the United Kingdom but it has now become very well established in the south and east of England. It is now gradually extending its range north westwards year on year.

This is perhaps the most common of the Hawker Dragonflies within its specified range and can often be observed in quite large numbers. This hawker favours well vegetated lakes, ponds and canals but can also be seen on slow flowing water.

The male has vibrant blue abdominal spots throughout its length and a yellow triangle on segment two. Its eyes are steel blue and the wings clear with black costa's. The thorax is brown with two small yellow antehumeral stripes.

The female is mainly brown in colour with yellow spots on its abdomen. It eyes are brown and the wings are clear. Immature specimens are duller in colour with lilac abdominal markings.

All photography and the narrative are by Chris Brooks