I was very fortunate last year to have photographed a female Brown Hawker emerging and as a result, I was able to obtain the exuviae of the species and add to my growing collection. This species exuviae has seemed to elude me over the past few years despite many hours of trying to look for them emerging so to experience at close hand this event was very rewarding. With a nice sunny day and temperatures again quite mild, I decided I had better spend some time photographing the features on this exuviae so with the conservatory doors wide open, I spent a very pleasant hour photographing the exuviae. The Brown Hawker exuviae is large in size (40 -46mm) and its main identification features include the typical aeshnid shaped head with more bulging eyes compared to that of the Emperor Dragonfly. The Brown Hawker exuviae has pale markings on the side of the thorax which extend onto the head behind the eyes as well as legs with distinct banding and a broad mask. With a hand lens, the tip shape of the epiproct can be easily seen with each species having its own unique shape. Its certainly been another education learning the features of this species and I hope that others will benefit from looking at these photos in the forthcoming seasons to help them identify these and other species exuviae. More photos of exuviae can be seen by clicking on the tab 'My Website' at the top of the page.
Brown Hawker (Aeshna grandis) exuviae showing broad mask,
pale markings on side of thorax and distinct banding on legs
Brown Hawker (Aeshna grandis) exuviae showing broad mask,
pale markings on side of thorax and distinct banding on legs
Brown Hawker (Aeshna grandis) exuviae showing eye shape and mandibles
Brown Hawker (Aeshna grandis) exuviae showing broad mask,
pale markings on side of thorax and distinct banding on legs
Brown Hawker (Aeshna grandis) exuviae showing lateral spines and shape of epiproct
Brown Hawker (Aeshna grandis) exuviae showing broad mask,
pale markings on side of thorax and distinct banding on legs
Brown Hawker (Aeshna grandis) exuviae showing distinct banding on legs
Brown Hawker (Aeshna grandis) exuviae showing Paraprocts, Cerci and shape of Epiproct
Brown Hawker (Aeshna grandis) exuviae showing broad mask,
pale markings on side of thorax and distinct banding on legs
Brown Hawker (Aeshna grandis) exuviae showing broad mask,
pale markings on side of thorax and distinct banding on legs
Wonderful - thank you, Marc! If the weather carries on like this, we might be in for an early season. Fingers, and everything else, are crossed! Best wishes - - - Richard
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Richard. It was certainly nice photographing them in a warm conservatory with the doors open. I will have to check soon on my local Large Red Damselfly nymphs to see how they're doing. As you say, they may emerge a day or so earlier if this mild spell continues.
Deletebeautiful series of photos.
ReplyDeletehave a great weekend
Many thanks Tanza. Much appreciated.
DeleteMarc, those are beautiful, the Brown Hawker exuviae is perfect.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Bob. These golden nuggets amaze me. Love finding and photographing them and thinking of the story that unfolded when they emerged. Nature is amazing.
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