Geograph - photograph every grid square

Southern Hawker (Aeshna cyanea)

These dragonflies can grow up to 70mm long and are usually seen individually.
The male (depicted here) is brightly marked on a dark background, usually apple green but occasionally individuals with blue markings can be seen. Females are brown with bright green markings. They breed in well-vegetated small ponds, often in garden ponds. Southern Hawkers are very common in southern and central England. For a wider view of the area this picture was taken in see: Link.