Where to See

Click here for the map
Species GroupDragonflies
Scientific NameBrachytron pratense
Status & Distribution

Stronghold in central and south-east England; also widely scattered in Wales but rare in Scotland. Distribution has increased in England and Scotland in recent years.

Habitat

Mainly found near unpolluted, well-vegetated water bodies.

Flight PeriodHairy Dragonfly
Adult Identification
  • Length: 55mm
  • Distinctly hairy thorax.
  • Long, thin pterostigma (wing spots).
  • Male: dark with blue spots on the abdomen. Thin green ante-humeral stripes on the thorax.
  • Female: dark with yellow spots on the abdomen. Very small yellow ante-humeral stripes on the thorax. 
Larval Information

Similar body shape to Hawkers- long and streamlined.

Distinct beady eyes that bulge from the head.

Similar Species

Could potentially be confused with other Hawker dragonflies, but can be distinguished by its:

  • earlier flight season.
  • small size.
  • small coloured markings.

Similar Species