One of the largest and fastest dragonflies found in London, often travelling far from the ponds and lakes they grew up in (as underwater nymphs). A predator of flies, wasps and other flying insects it catches on the wing; they can also hover and fly backwards. Hawkers have pin-sharp vision, and can see behind them, making them difficult to catch by would-be predatory birds such as kestrel and hobby.

Find southern hawker dragonflies on a London Nature Trail at:

• Silkstream Park, Quainton Open Space and Welsh Harp (Brent) Reservoir on the walk from Burnt Oak to Wembley

• Grand Union Canal, Regent’s Canal and Camley Street Natural Park on the walk from Swiss Cottage to King’s Cross

• Royal Docks, Bow Creek Ecology Park, River Lea, Wanstead Flats on the walk from Wanstead to Royal Docks