Aeshna mixta, (Latreille, 1805) Migrant Hawker
Family: Aeshnidae
Length: 56 to 64mm.
Flight Period: July to end of October.
Colour varies in cool weather, the blue markings of the male change to lilac.
Aeshna mixta, is the commonest small hawker in the Mediterranean region, can be on wing most months, further north, arriving in the late Summer months.
A widespread species, found from North of Africa into southern and central Europe, to the Baltic region, across to China and Japan. Seems to be spreading its range further north into Europe recently, maybe due to climate warming.
A. mixta, can be confused with the similar-sized Brachytron pratense, (as I nearly did)!
Habitat: Breeds in a wide range of water conditions, still and slow flowing waters and is tolerant of brackish water. Mainly seen near lakes and pond edges with good vegetation growth. Will also be seen away from water, flying and resting amongst trees and bushes. Males are not territorial, will often be seen flying in large groups over reeds along the water’s edge.
Images below, show two males resting.