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Hairy Dragonfly

(Scientific Name: Brachytron pratense)



Male Brachytron pratense by Mark Tyrrell
Male Brachytron pratense by Mark Tyrrell.
Female Brachytron pratense by David Kitching
Female Brachytron pratense by David Kitching.
Female Brachytron pratense by David Kitching
Female Brachytron pratense by David Kitching.
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Species Information:


Length: 55mm
Flight Period: May to July (some seen in late March and April)

The UK's smallest Hawker, emerging before other Hawkers in May. It has a distinctly hairy thorax (see photos), oval spots on each abdominal segment and a long, thin pterostigma.

Male: dark in appearance and the spots on the abdomen are blue. It has green ante-humeral stripes.
Female: yellow markings and much shorter ante-humeral stripes.



Habitat:


Mainly found near unpolluted, well-vegetated water bodies.



Status & Distribution:


Uncommon but increasing its range. Now widely scattered through England, Wales and Ireland but rare in Scotland.



Similar Species:


Could potentially be confused with other Hawker dragonflies, but its early flight season and relatively small size are good clues to its identity.