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Aeshna caerulea

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description Aeshna caerulea Overview

Aeshna caerulea, commonly known as the azure hawker, is a dragonfly in the Aeshnidae family described by Hans Strøm in 1783. It is notable for its cold-adapted range across northern Eurasia, including parts of Scandinavia and Scotland, where it primarily inhabits alpine bogs and moorlands. The males display bright blue markings on their dark abdomen, while females generally feature more subdued yellowish or brown coloration to blend in with their peatland environments.

help Aeshna caerulea FAQ

Where can I find the Aeshna caerulea dragonfly in the wild?

The Aeshna caerulea, commonly known as the azure hawker, is highly adapted to cold climates and is primarily found across northern Eurasia. You can typically spot them hovering around alpine bogs and shallow pools in regions like Scandinavia and Scotland.

Who originally discovered and classified the Aeshna caerulea?

This species of dragonfly was officially described by the Norwegian zoologist Hans Strøm in 1783. It belongs to the Aeshnidae family, which includes some of the largest and fastest-flying dragonflies in the world.

What does the azure hawker dragonfly look like?

As its name suggests, the azure hawker is notable for its striking blue coloration, which stands out against the dark alpine bogs it calls home. The males develop brighter, more vivid azure markings along their abdomens compared to the females.

Is the Aeshna caerulea endangered due to climate change?

Because the Aeshna caerulea relies entirely on cold-adapted habitats in northern regions, it is considered highly vulnerable to global warming. Rising temperatures threaten to shrink the alpine bog environments they need to breed and hunt.

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