Male. Taken at Otmoor, Oxon., on June 23rd 2020. (© David Hastings)
(1/320th sec at f13. Click image for larger version)
Male. Taken at Otmoor, Oxon., on June 23rd 2020. (© David Hastings)
(1/320th sec at f13. Click image for larger version)
Female. Taken at Thrupp Lake, Oxon, on July 14th 2011. (© David Hastings)
(1/125th sec at f13. Click image for larger version)
Ovipositing female. Taken at Otmoor, Oxon on July 23rd 2005. (© David Hastings)
(1/125th sec at f10. Click image for larger version)

Description

Wingspan: 82-98mm; Body length: 70-77mm

A large Hawker with obvious golden brown wings. Both sexes have strong yellow stripes on the sides of the thorax and no ante-humeral stripes. The male is chocolate brown with small blue and yellow markings. It has a noticeable waisted appearence. The female has small yellow markings and lacks the male's waist.

This is mainly found in English and Irish lowlands. It is absent from Scotland, most of Wales, and the West Country

It prefers standing or slow-flowing bodies of water, including ponds, lakes, gravel pits, canals and ditches.

Eggs are laid into living or dead plant material. They hatch the following spring and the larvae develop over 2-4 years. Emergence takes place at night. The flight period is June to October, with a peak in July and August.

In calm conditions this species typically flies at canopy level, often late into the evening. It has a distinctive flight action that involves long glides interspersed with bursts of rapid wing beats. Individuals are wary and often difficult to approach.

A common and widespread species in the lowlands.

Earliest UK sighting: 6th June ; Latest UK sighting: 22nd September

Sightings