Insect · GBIF taxon 1425240
Southern Hawker
Aeshna cyaneaAlso known as Blue Hawker
Southern hawkers are large, inquisitive dragonflies that frequently approach observers out of curiosity, hovering just inches away to investigate. Males patrol territories along woodland edges and garden ponds, defending their airspace with agile, hovering flight and sudden bursts of speed. Their striking mosaic of apple-green and bright blue markings on a dark abdomen makes them a spectacular sight during late summer afternoons.
PredatoryInquisitiveAgile Flyer
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Mosquitoes
- Flies
- Moths
Predators
- Hobby
- Frogs
- Spiders
ThreatsLoss of wetland habitats, water pollution, and clearance of bankside vegetation.
HabitatsStill waters, garden ponds, woodland rides, and damp ditches.
Life spanUp to 2 years as aquatic nymphs, and 7 to 10 weeks as flying adults.
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyAeshnidae
- SpeciesAeshna cyanea
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Pond Watching: Sit quietly by a shaded garden pond in late summer to watch males patrol their territory.
- Curious Encounters: Stand still if one approaches you, as they often hover close to inspect humans.
- Spotting Females: Look for females laying eggs in damp wood or moss near the water's edge.
Competitor (c) Ludivine Lamare, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Ludivine Lamare · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Jerry Lanfear, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jerry Lanfear · cc-by
Close Relative
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