A. mixta occurs in North Africa, southern and central Europe to the Baltic region.

It is similar in appearance to other aeshnas but has a characteristic "golf-tee" shaped mark on the second segment of the abdomen (S2) which is diagnostic.

A. mixta is found throughout central and southern Europe, north Africa, the Middle East and across Asia to China and Japan.

[citation needed] Another one was found on September 3, 2015 in Fort Collins, Colorado flying around in a backyard over a trampoline.

A. mixta has been seen on the wing in all months of the year but most commonly from July to Late October or early November.

After emergence, the immature adults fly away from water and spends their time feeding and becoming sexually mature.