Hawkers and Emperors

The Aeshnidae are some of the largest and strongest dragonflies, with sturdy bodies usually longer than 60mm and powerful, steady flight. These impressive insects patrol areas by flying quickly and continuously to catch their prey. Most species have bright blue, green, or brown colours with detailed patterns, although females are often less brightly coloured than males. Their eyes meet widely at the top of the head, which helps to tell them apart from other large dragonflies. Aeshnidae are found throughout Britain in many freshwater places like ponds, lakes, canals, and slow-moving rivers. Many species move around a lot, sometimes going far from water when they are not breeding. They catch other flying insects while flying, often at quite a height or near the edges of woodlands and hedgerows.