Brown Hawker
Aeshna grandis
Length 74mm

Easily recognised, even in flight, by brown body and bronze wings. At rest, blue spots on second and third segments of male's abdomen can be noticed; these are absent in female. Widespread in S and C England but commonest in SE; local in Ireland and absent from Scotland. Found on well-vegetated ponds, lakes and canals. Patrols regular hunting territory around margins which is vigorously defended against intruders. Flies mainly July­September. Nymph mostly black and white.