The first confirmed sighting of Aeshna affinis, the Southern Migrant Hawker dragonfly, has been recorded on the Isle of Wight.
A male was seen at Yarmouth on the 30th July 2020 along with 3 more at Wootton on the same day. Since then a further 1 at each of these locations have also been seen.
This species – also known as the Blue-eyed Hawker or the Mediterranean Hawker – is a Mediterranean dragonfly that has spread northwards in the last few years and is know to be resident in Essex and Kent, especially around the Thames estuary. It is thought at these local individuals flew over the Channel with the help of recent southerly winds.
The Southern Migrant Hawker favours dried up ponds with surrounding lush vegetation.
It is thought that there may be more of these dragonflies at other Island locations. If you think that you have seen one you are encouraged to contact the Isle of Wight Recorder of the British Dragonfly Society, Jim Baldwin by emailing [email protected].
WHAT?????
Any one offer translation to what jimbo said?
One migrant that is welcome to our shores. Unless you are Jim, but hey Jim, these DON’T sting, so you won’t be stung.
Saw one if these by windmill Lane freshwater yesterday when out for a walk with my son.
This one is the ones we get in the Canary islands
Over the past month I’ve seen at least for in the freshwater area and a couple around Ventnor, I thought I’d never seens these particular dragons before… Interesting times we’re in
I live in Alverstoke & one flew into my conservatory
One of these beautiful Dragonflies has been flying around our field in Chessell.