Dragonflies and Damselflies of Shropshire
One of the latest species to appear, on the wing from late July to October or frosty weather. The first impression is that of a 'small Common Hawker'. As with this larger species, the male has a dark body with pairs of blue dots and yellow flecks along the abdomen. The female is brown with a similar pattern to the male but the dots are normally yellow. Both sexes have a brown costa or leading edge to the wing (yellow in Common Hawker) only likely to be obvious when at rest. There is a small yellow triangle at the top of S2. Whilst this is a confirmed breeding species in Southern England, who knows whether they are breeding locally, females (see below) are clearly in business at Venus Pool!.
A male at rest showing the typical markings .
Another male showing the typical appearance, the narrow yellow triangle on the top of S2 is clearly shown.