Blue Hawker

Aeshna cyanea

AI Generated Image

Aeshna cyanea, commonly known as the Blue Hawker, is one of the largest and most recognizable dragonflies in Europe. It can reach a body length of up to 8 cm, with a wingspan exceeding 10 cm. Males are distinguished by bright blue spots along the abdomen and green markings on the thorax, while females display more greenish coloration. This species inhabits still or slow-moving freshwater habitats such as ponds, lakes, oxbow waters, and canals rich in aquatic vegetation. The Blue Hawker is an agile aerial predator, hunting insects in flight, including mosquitoes and flies. Its flight is fast and patrolling, often seen cruising along the edges of water bodies and garden ponds. Adults are active from mid-summer to early autumn. The aquatic larvae develop for two to three years before emerging as fully formed dragonflies.