Invertebrates
Southern Hawker
Aeshna cyanea
Along a sunny woodland path in late summer, a southern hawker hovers a metre in front of a walker, its apple-green markings bright against the dark body, before sweeping away to hunt.
Overview
The southern hawker, Aeshna cyanea, is a Least Concern dragonfly found around ponds, lakes, and slow streams across Europe and into western Asia. Its green-and-blue markings and curious habit of inspecting people make it one of the most familiar large dragonflies of gardens and woods.
A dragonfly that comes to look
Where many dragonflies stay over water, the southern hawker hunts along paths and hedges, and will hover close to anyone who stops to watch it.
Status
Least Concern, widespread and common.
Southern Hawker: common questions
Why does the southern hawker hover near people?
It is inquisitive, and often hovers in front of people and other objects to inspect them.
Where does the southern hawker lay its eggs?
The female lays her eggs in rotting wood, moss, or soft plant stems near the water.
Does it only live near water?
No, adults often hunt along woodland rides, hedgerows, and garden edges, well away from ponds.
Where is the southern hawker found?
It lives around ponds, lakes, and slow streams across Europe and into western Asia.