Azure hawker

Aeshna caerulea

The azure hawker is one of the smaller species of hawker dragonflies. The flight period is from late May to August.
Azure Hawker Late in the day near Redpoint Beach, basking on Ulex europaeus.  Note, unique to this species is that the blue of the male pales to a more grey colour at lower temperatures. Aeshna caerulea,Azure hawker,Redpoint Beach,Scotland,Wester Ross

Appearance

It is about 62 mm long. Both sexes have azure blue spots on each abdominal segment and the thorax also has azure markings. The markings on the male are brighter and more conspicuous than in the female. The female also has a brown colour form.

Distribution

The species is widespread in the Eurasian polar region. In Great Britain, the azure hawker occurs only in Scotland.

Habitat

This species flies in sunshine, and will also bask on stones or tree trunks. It shelters in heather or similar low vegetation in dull weather. Unique to this species is that the blue of the male pales to a more grey colour at lower temperatures.

References:

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Status: Least concern
EX EW CR EN VU NT LC
Taxonomy
KingdomAnimalia
DivisionArthropoda
ClassInsecta
OrderOdonata
FamilyAeshnidae
GenusAeshna
SpeciesA. caerulea
Photographed in
United Kingdom