Insect / Odonata / Dragonfly

The Southern hawker, Aeshna cyanea, found at Callington, Cornwall, England in 1917.

The Southern Hawker dragonfly, Aeshna cyanea, can be observed during the summer and autumn months flying around lakes, ponds, canals and other bodies of still or slow-moving water, catching their prey on the wing. They may even hunt further afield and be seen in gardens and along woodland rides.

The males (which have green and blue markings; the specimen shown is female) are very territorial, patrolling along a stretch of water and fighting off any rival male intruders. The female chooses a mate whose territory has the most promising egg-laying site. Eggs are laid into rotting vegetation; they hatch in the spring, and the emerging nymphs feed on aquatic insects, small tadpoles and the like. The nymphs will take several years to become adults. 

Image of a female Southern hawker Bi1973.2.4157