Common Hawker Dragonfly

When: June - September

Scientific name: Aeshna juncea

Scientific name: Dealbhan mòr an fhraoich

Length: 70-80mm

Where: Boggy, damp areas, Wester Moss SSSI (Butterfly Conservation Scotland reserve)

Flying from June through to September, this species is the fastest flying dragonfly known in the UK, as well as the largest. The common hawker catches its prey mid-flight, and is also capable of hovering or flying backwards!

Not only is this dragonfly an accomplished acrobat, it is also very beautiful. Males are mostly black with light blue spots and yellow flecks along the body. Females typically display yellow spots, although colouration in Scotland has been known to vary to blue and green. Males have large blue eyes while females have brown eyes, and the main vein on the outside of the wing (known as the 'costa') is yellow in both sexes. This feature is particularly useful when trying to identify the Common Hawker from other Hawker species.

Globally, dragonflies have historically held quite opposing connotations in different cultures. In some far east Asian countries, dragonflies are commonly depicted in art and poetry, and are considered a symbol of courage, strength and happiness. On the contrary, some European vernacular names for dragonflies include "ear cutter", "eye snatcher" and "devil's darning needle". In Swedish folklore. dragonflies were apparenly used by the devil to weigh people's souls. Sinister eh? We're quite sure the Common Darter is harmless really, but you'll have to go out in search of this lovely dragonfly, and find out for yourself!

For more information on where to find these lovely creatures, visit Butterfly Conservation Scotland's website: http://butterfly-conservation.org/842-1955/wester-moss-stirling.html

Photo credit: Paul Kirkand, Butterfly Conservation Scotland