Yes, exuviae are rather brown and drab, but they are also the most important biological records as they are proof that a species has successfully bred at a particular waterbody. In this case Andy Warr has found and photographed a Common Hawker exuvia on Titterstone Clee Hill. His photos brilliantly illustrate the diagnostic features; a broad mask (below left), negligible/absent lateral spines on segment 6 of the abdomen and short spines on segment 9 that don’t reach the middle of segment 10 (below right). Hawker exuviae are all long and torpedo shaped with a distinctive non rounded head shape and bulging eyes. Even if you don’t fancy identifying exuviae they are worth a closer look as their detailed structure is amazing!
