Common Hawker (Aeshna juncea)
A bit more of an unusual one for Somerset and only really seen in the higher moorland areas of Somerset, Exmoor and the Mendip.
Males have a dark abdomen with blue markings, the thorax is dark with yellow stripes.
Females have a dark abdomen with normally yellow markings (but can be green or blue), the thorax is dark with yellow stripes.
It can be confused with Migrant and Southern Hawkers.
The key thing to look for is the costa (front edge of the wings), which is yellow in the Common Hawker.
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Female (Teneral / Newly Emerged)
Female (Teneral / Newly Emerged)
Mating
Mating
Egg Laying
Egg Laying
Want to See
Likes moorlands in the upland areas of Somerset, Exmoor and the Mendips.
Especially Good
Pinkworthy Pond - Exmoor (Mid July / August / September) - best place to see
Priddy Ponds - Mendips (July / August)
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