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Norfolk hawker

Scientific name: Anaciaeschna isoceles

The rare Norfolk hawker is a pale brown dragonfly, with a distinctive yellow triangle on its body. Until recently, it was only found in unpolluted fens, marshes and ditches of the Broads National Park in Norfolk and Suffolk, although its range has started to expand.

Species information

Statistics

Length: 6.7cm

Conservation status

Protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981. Priority Species under the UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework.

When to see

June to July

About

The Norfolk hawker is a large hawker dragonfly that is on the wing for a short period during June and the very beginning of July. A rare dragonfly, it is mostly found in the marshes, fens and ditches of the Broads National Park where water soldier is growing. It needs unspoilt grazing marsh with non-saline water to survive. Having spent up to two years in the water, mature dragonfly larvae climb on to emerging vegetation at night and moult into adult dragonflies, leaving behind a cast known as an 'exuviae'. Newly emerged Norfolk hawkers wait until early morning to fly off to other areas to feed, but will take another two to three weeks to reach maturity.

How to identify

The Norfolk hawker is entirely pale brown apart from a yellow triangle at the base of the body. It is similar to the larger brown hawker, but paler in colour, with green eyes and clear wings.

Distribution

Until recently only found in the Norfolk Broads and a few wetlands in Norfolk and Suffolk, its population has started to expand to other southern counties in England.

Habitats

Did you know?

Dragonflies are able to fly at speeds of up to 36km per hour, move their wings approximately 30 times a second, and fly forwards, sideways and backwards.

How people can help

The Norfolk Broads is an inland waterway and a very special area of fen, marshland and reedbed. Along with the Suffolk Broads, it is the UK's largest protected area of wetland and has National Park status. Many organisations and individuals work together within the Park to conserve and enhance its rare habitats for the benefit of both wildlife and people. Norfolk Wildlife Trust and Suffolk Wildlife Trust are two of these partners and between them have a number of nature reserves in the area, which they protect for local wildlife like the rare Norfolk hawker. You can help by becoming a member and supporting the work of your local Wildlife Trust.