Hawkers, Emperors and Spectres (Aeshnidae)
Species
These are large dragonflies which are often seen hawking in in open but sheltered places, as well as over predominately still waters. Males make aggressive and swift patrols over water, usually following a fairly fixed route. Direct flight is frequently interspersed with hovering pauses.
 
Eleven Aeshna, five Anax, one Brachytron and three Boyeria species are found in Europe.