Summary
The brown hawker (Aeshna grandis) is a large dragonfly about 73 millimetres (2.9 in) long. It is a distinctive species and is easily recognised, even in flight, by its brown body and bronze wings. At rest, blue spots on the second and third segments of the male's abdomen can be noticed; these are absent in female.
| Brown hawker | |
|---|---|
| |
| Male | |
| |
| Female | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Odonata |
| Infraorder: | Anisoptera |
| Family: | Aeshnidae |
| Genus: | Aeshna |
| Species: | A. grandis
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| Binomial name | |
| Aeshna grandis | |
| |
| Range of Aeshna grandis | |
The flight time is mainly July to September. The nymph has stripes on the side of the thorax and distinct banding on the legs.
Distribution edit
Aeshna grandis is common in central and eastern Europe. In Europe, it can be found everywhere from Ireland to the Urals, with some exceptions like Scotland, northernmost Scandinavia and the Iberian and Apennine peninsulas. There is a population in the Balkans.
It is widespread in England but commonest in the south-east; local in Ireland and rare in Scotland. It is found on well-vegetated ponds, lakes and canals. It patrols a regular hunting territory around margins which is vigorously defended against intruders.
References edit
- ^ Clausnitzer, V. (2020). "Aeshna grandis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2020: e.T158686A138480251. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-3.RLTS.T158686A138480251.en. Retrieved 25 August 2023.
- "Aeshna grandis". British Dragonfly Society. Retrieved 27 May 2011.
External links edit
Media related to Aeshna grandis at Wikimedia Commons
Data related to Aeshna grandis at Wikispecies
