Male. Taken at Whitecross Green Wood, Oxon., on May 27th 2024. (© David Hastings)
(1/800th sec at f13. Click image for larger version)
Male. Taken at Whitecross Green Wood, Oxon., on July 17th 2023. (© David Hastings)
(1/640th sec at f11. Click image for larger version)
Immature male. Taken at Bucknell Wood, Northants, on May 27th 2017. (© David Hastings)
(1/320th sec at f14. Click image for larger version)
Female. Taken at Aston, Oxon., on July 22nd 2024. (© David Hastings)
(1/1000th sec at f8. Click image for larger version)
Female. Taken at Whitecross Green Wood, Oxon., on June 24th 2024. (© David Hastings)
(1/800th sec at f11. Click image for larger version)
Pair in cop. Taken at Otmoor, Oxon., on June 18th 2018. (© David Hastings)
(1/200th sec at f13. Click image for larger version)

Description

Wing span: 90 - 104 mm; Body length: 66 - 84 mm

This is the largest aeshnid in most of Europe. Males are unmistakable due to their size, unmarked green thorax and blue abdomen with a black mid-dorsal stripe. The female is green with a black dorsal stripe. Tenerals are pale green and have brown rather than black markings on the abdomen. Both sexes have a yellow costa and brown wing spots.

It is most commonly found south of a line between the Wash and the Severn estuary. It is also found further north, in south Wales and southern Ireland.

This species prefers standing waters, often large and well-vegetated. It also breeds in new ponds and can tolerate brackish water.

The female lays eggs alone, usually well offshore, typically into pondweed. The eggs hatch after about three weeks. The larvae usually take two years to mature. The flight period is June to August.

Males are highly territorial and vigorously defend their territory against all incomers. They catch and eat prey on the wing, although larger prey items like butterflies are eaten at rest.

Common and widespread in southern England.

Earliest UK sighting: 21st May ; Latest UK sighting: 7th September

Sightings