We have only two brown hawkers in Europe, the other being Aeshna grandis. Both have a brown thorax and abdomen but Aeshna isoceles has green eyes and clear wings plus a diagnostic yellow triangular mark on the second segment of the abdomen. 

Aeshna grandis

This is a rare species in our area so please provide a  photograph to support your record showing the diagnostic features.

May be found around ponds, ditches and marshy areas, possibly favouring places where associated with Water-soldier present.

Flight period is from May to August.

Its British stronghold seems to be East Anglia and the south coast of England, with scattered records elsewhere in England.

Rare in Leicestershire and Rutland the first record for VC55 came from Grantham Canal, Redmile
19 June 2025