- Mintage Limit - 1000
- Each coin is struck from 1/2oz of pure silver
- Coin with Colour Printed
- Coin in capsule+with Certificate of Authenticity + Presentation Case
The Southern Migrant Hawker or Blue-eyed Hawker (Aeshna affinis) is a dragonfly found in southern Europe and Asia. As its name suggests the male has blue eyes and also blue marking on the abdomen.
It is characterized by large multifaceted eyes, two pairs of strong transparent wings, and an elongated body. Dragonflies are similar to damselflies, but the adults can be differentiated by the fact that the wings of most dragonflies are held away from, and perpendicular to, the body when at rest. Dragonflies possess six legs (like any other insect), but most of them cannot walk well. Dragonflies are valuable predators that eat mosquitoes, and other small insects like flies, bees, ants, and butterflies. They are usually found around lakes, ponds, streams and wetlands because their larvae, known as "nymphs", are aquatic.
Aeshna affinis is found in southern and central Europe and all around the Mediterranean, in North Africa and the Middle East and across Asia to China. It is found on many Mediterranean islands including Menorca, Corsica, and Sicily. It is a migrant species and so is found further northwards in good years.