Aeshna caerulea - Azure Hawker
Male
Male close-up
Female
Newly emerged with exuviae
Description
Length: 62mm
The eyes of this medium sized Hawker touch for only a short distance. The costa is brown in both sexes.
The male has extensive blue markings on the abdomen but only narrow stripes on the sides of the thorax.
Ante-humerals are short and eyes are blue.
The female occurs in two colour forms, brown or blue.
Ante-humeral stripes are absent and the eyes are brown.
The abdominal markings are smaller than in the male, giving the female a darker appearence.
Habitat
Only in Scotland, found flying near boggy pools in moorland.
Both sexes settle readily on tree trunks and rocks in cool conditions.
Status and Distribution
Scotland only. Widespread in the Highlands but rarely abundant.
Distribution map from the National Biodiversity Network Gateway (opens in new window).
Similar species
Similar in appearence to other Hawkers but, as its range only overlaps that of the Common Hawker, it is unlikely to cause confusion.