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Credit Greg Bond 3/3

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.

Related questions & advice

What is the difference between dragonflies and damselflies?

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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