About Brachytron pratense (Müller, 1764)
The hairy dragonfly, Brachytron pratense, gets its common name from the hairy thorax that sets it apart from other hawker dragonflies. It has a long, narrow pterostigma – the coloured, hardened patch on the outer region of each wing. Its antehumeral stripes are usually thin and green. This species has paired, oval-shaped markings on its abdomen: these markings are blue on males and yellow on females. It is smaller than other species in the genus Aeshna, and is the smallest hawker dragonfly found in the United Kingdom. The hairy dragonfly inhabits vegetation-rich ponds, lakes, fens, ditches, and canals. Common plant species found in these habitats include common club rush, common reed, great fen sedge, and true bulrush. This dragonfly needs open, sunny areas with dense vegetation that provides protection; in these sites, individuals can feed on flying insects, take shelter, and reach sexual maturity. Although it is classified as a common species, it is vulnerable to harmful ditch management practices and poor water quality. These threats caused the species to disappear from some areas for several years, before it recently returned to those sites. Unlike its close relatives, the hairy dragonfly only flies during sunny weather, and will quickly retreat when the sun is obscured. Like most hawker dragonflies, the hairy dragonfly hunts flying insects in mid-air. After catching prey, it carries the food to a suitable perch to eat and digest it.
