Brown hawker

The brown hawker (Aeshna grandis) is a large dragonfly about 73 millimetres (2.9 in) long. It is a distinctive species and is easily recognised, even in flight, by its brown body and bronze wings. At rest, blue spots on the second and third segments of the male's abdomen can be noticed; these are absent in female.

Brown hawker
Male A. grandis
Female A. grandis
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Arthropoda
Class:
Insecta
Order:
Odonata
Family:
Aeshnidae
Genus:
Aeshna
Species:
A. grandis
Binomial name
Aeshna grandis

The flight time is mainly July to September. The nymph has stripes on the side of the thorax and distinct banding on the legs.

Distribution

Aeshna grandis is common in central and eastern Europe. In Europe, it can be found everywhere from Ireland to the Urals, with some exceptions like Scotland, northernmost Scandinavia and the Iberian and Apennine peninsulas. There is a population in the Balkans.

It is widespread in England but commonest in the south-east; local in Ireland and rare in Scotland. It is found on well-vegetated ponds, lakes and canals. It patrols a regular hunting territory around margins which is vigorously defended against intruders.

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References
  • "Aeshna grandis". British Dragonfly Society. Retrieved 27 May 2011.


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