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Brown Hawker (Aeshna grandis) laying eggs
I spotted this very large Hawker at the edge of a small fresh water pool that I frequently visit. It was occupied in a trance mode, totally ignoring me. If that happens during the heat of day, it means its eating, mating or laying eggs. In this case I suspected it was laying eggs. Dutch Wikipedia confirmed it:
http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruine_glazenmaker#mediaviewer/File:Aeshna_grandis_ovipositing.jpg
Closeup of face:
The Brown Hawker is a large dragonfly about 73 millimetres 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.
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.. more
