Common Hawker vs Gold Swift

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Common Hawker Gold Swift
Scientific Name Aeshna juncea Phymatopus hecta
Order Odonata Lepidoptera
Family Aeshnidae Hepialidae
Size 65-80 mm 25-35 mm wingspan
Habitat Heathland Heathland
Diet Omnivores Root Feeders
Regions Europe, Asia, North America Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Common Hawker

A large, dark brown hawker dragonfly with blue and yellow spots. It favors upland and moorland habitats across the Northern Hemisphere.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the hardiest dragonflies, flying in cool upland conditions where few other species venture.

Gold Swift

A small primitive moth with golden-brown forewings marked with silvery-white spots. Males perform hovering display flights at dusk, dangling their legs and releasing pheromones.

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Did You Know?

Larvae feed underground on bracken roots for two years before pupating in the soil.