Endangered species - Sydney Hawk dragonfly
Sydney Hawk dragonfly. Photo: Gunther Theischinger
Important information
Scientific name - Austrocordulia leonardi
Distribution - The known distribution of the species includes three locations in a small area south of Sydney, from Audley to Picton. The species is also known from the Hawkesbury-Nepean, Georges River and Port Hacking drainages.
Size - Wing span 60-70mm.
Characteristics - The Sydney Hawk dragonfly is a black and yellow dragonfly with clear wings spanning 60-70mm, and with an adult abdomen length of 35-40mm. The aquatic larvae have a body length of 22-24mm and are distinguished from the similar Eastern Hawk dragonfly, Austrocordulia refracta, by a uniformly arched abdomen and distinctive abdominal colour pattern.
Confusing species - Eastern Hawk dragonfly, Austrocordulia refracta.