Hairy dragonfly Brachytron pratense

The hairy dragonfly is a medium-sized hawker found around waterbodies with plenty of different plants; ditches in grazing marshes, gravel pits and canals are particularly good spots to look for this species. Hawkers are the largest and fastest flying dragonflies. They catch their insect-prey mid-air and can hover and fly backwards.

Conservation status

According to the British Dragonfly Society this species is uncommon but increasing its range.

Details

Did you know? The hairy dragonfly was, until recently, a very rare species in the UK, found only on the most pristine grazing marshes and wetlands. It has recently expanded its range, possibly as a result of climate change.

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