Locally common and widespread. Adults can be seen between mid June and late September. The Brown Hawker is found on sheltered lowland lakes and fens. It can overlap with the more upland Common Hawker Aeshna juncea on cutover lowland bogs. The species shows some tendency to wander, but not as much as Aeshna juncea.

This species is unlikely to be confused with any other due to its brown coloration and amber-tinted wings.

KEY IDENTIFICATION FEATURES

• both sexes are large and brown
• wings are tinted amber which is very noticeable in flight
• two pale yellow stripes on side of thorax
• males have a waisted abdomen with blue spots on the side