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Aeshna viridis - Dragonfly
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Aeshna viridis

description Aeshna viridis Overview

Aeshna viridis, known as the green hawker, is a large dragonfly species belonging to the family Aeshnidae, first described by Eduard Friedrich Eversmann in 1836. The species is distributed across parts of Europe and Asia. It is ecologically distinctive because its larvae rely almost exclusively on water-soldier plants in stagnant or slow-flowing waters. This strict habitat requirement makes the green hawker a specialized insect, highly sought after by wildlife observers in regions where its host plants thrive.

help Aeshna viridis FAQ

What specific plant does the Aeshna viridis larvae rely on for its habitat?

The larvae of the green hawker rely almost exclusively on the water soldier plant for their development. Because of this strict ecological requirement, the dragonfly's presence is heavily tied to specific wetland areas across Europe and Asia where this aquatic plant grows.

Who first scientifically described the Aeshna viridis dragonfly?

The species was first officially described by the zoologist Eduard Friedrich Eversmann in 1836. It belongs to the Aeshnidae family, which is known for containing some of the largest dragonfly species in the world.

How large is the green hawker compared to other European dragonflies?

As its name implies, the green hawker is a notably large dragonfly, which is a common trait among members of the Aeshnidae family. It can be identified in the wild by its striking green markings and robust, powerful flight patterns.

In what geographic regions can you find Aeshna viridis?

Aeshna viridis is distributed across parts of northern and central Europe, extending its range widely into Asia. Populations are highly localized, however, because their reproduction depends entirely on finding dense patches of their specific aquatic host plant.

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