Hairy Dragonfly

The Hairy Dragonfly (Brachytron pratense) is an early spring dragonfly. A hawker, this insect resembles the Migrant Hawker, but due to its early appearence is easily identified - there isn't any other blue-spotted hawker flying at the same time.

Of course seeing those blue spots can be difficult, as frequently the first and only glimpse you get is a long body flashing down a dyke or river. Although not a common dragonfly, it is widely distributed, and always comes as a delight in the early spring. It is believed the hairs on the thorax are an adaption to help resist early spring temperatures.

External Links

Nymph	European Distribution
Pair in Cop	Ovipositing

Recorded from these sites:

Location	Grid Reference	Status
Geldeston	TM389909	Frequent
Holme Dunes	TF7044	Rare
Holt Lowes	TG0837	Rare
North Tuddenham Common	TG0314	Frequent
Norwich	norwich	Frequent
Thompson Common	TL9396	Frequent
Titchwell	TF7544	Frequent
Upton Fen	TG3813	Frequent
Winterton Dunes	TG4821	Frequent