Southern Hawker

ADULT: Wingspan - 100mm. Approximate overall length - 70mm. Both sexes have thick, lime-green antehumeral stripes. Both have green markings on a dark background with the male having blue stripes on segments 9 and 10 rather than green spots. The wings are black veined and clear becoming amber with age. On segment 2 there is a distinct yellow triangle. LARVA: 38-48mm when fully grown. Quite abundant and located within aquatic vegetation from which they will make sorties in search of prey such as tadpoles. BEHAVIOUR: A curious species that will approach an observer within 2 or 3 feet. Territorial and a late flyer, usually until dusk and occasionally beyond. HABITAT: Woodland glades when hunting but prefers well vegetated water when breeding. FLIGHT PERIOD: June to October. STATUS: Common towards south becoming more local towards the north. Absent from Ireland.