Ode-vent Day 14

The Hairy Hawker (Brachytron pratense) is quite a scarce species in Belgium and another one which could be confused with the aeshnids.  It is smaller, however, and can be told apart by the pattern of blue on the abdomen as well as the distinct black lines on the green thorax.

Ode-vent Day 13

The Emperor Dragonfly (Anax imperator) is one of our largest species, superficially resembling a large aeshnid.  Males are distingushed by their green eyes, solid green thorax, and predominantly blue abdomen.  It is another widespread species and can be found constantly patrolling above the surface of most waterbodies.

Ode-vent Day 12

A rather nondescript hawker, the Norfolk Hawker (Aeshna isoceles) is restricted to a few sites in Brussels but easily recognised by its bright-green eyes, which contrast strongly with the very plain, cigar-like body.  Note also the tiny yellow nail at the base of the abdomen which is present in both sexes.

Ode-vent Day 11

And so we move on to the true dragonflies, starting with the genus Aeshna, or hawkers.  At least eight species regularly occur in Belgium of which the Migrant Hawker, Aeshna mixta, is probably the most common, especially in September.  Most hawkers can be identified by the mosaic pattern of predominantly blue and green spots along the abdomen, in combination with eye colour, and the presence or otherwise of coloured stripes on the side of the thorax.

Ode-vent Day 10

Of the three European featherlegs, only the White-legged Damselfly (Platycnemis pennipes) occurs in Belgium.  It is another early-flying species, appearing from May onwards, and is easily recognised by its broad, white legs.

Ode-vent Day 9

There are also two red damselflies and, again, the larger species is the commoner of the two.  This Large Red Damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula) is one of our earliest species to appear, in April and May, the peak time for the much scarcer Small Red Damselfly, which has an all-red body, being July and August.

Ode-vent Day 8

The two redeyes are easily recognised by their bright red, bulbous eyes and best told apart by size, as well as the shape and amount of blue on the abdomen.  This is the commoner Red-eyed Damselfly (Erythromma najas), which is generally on the wing a month or two earlier than the daintier Small Red-eyed Damselfly.  Both species are most often found perching on waterlilies and other floating vegetation.