southern hawker

dogsmercury · #1 (**permalink**) 25-07-2009, 01:11 PM

Is the Southern Hawker one of our largest species of dragonfly? I recently photographed my first one and It's certainly the biggest I've ever seen!

Graham

Ollie · #2 (**permalink**) 25-07-2009, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dogsmercury

Is the Southern Hawker one of our largest species of dragonfly? I recently photographed my first one and It's certainly the biggest I've ever seen!

Graham

Hi.
Although the Southern Hawker is a large Dragonfly I think I'm right in saying that the Golden Ringed Dragonfly is slightly larger as far as body length goes anyway. I'm not 100% sure on this but I also believe the Emperor Dragonfly is as large if not larger than the Southern Hawker.

Maybe someone who is more expert than me can clarify this.

dogsmercury · #3 (**permalink**) 25-07-2009, 02:29 PM

Thanks for that, I take it these hunt other insect on plants, or do they "hunt on the wing" too?

Graham

Ollie · #4 (**permalink**) 25-07-2009, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dogsmercury

Thanks for that, I take it these hunt other insect on plants, or do they "hunt on the wing" too?

Graham

They hunt on the wing holding the legs as a basket to catch any prey. If it's a smallish insect they catch they will probably eat it in flight but if they catch something a bit larger they will often perch to consume it and this is the best oportunity to get a photograph whilst they are busy eating.