The Hairy Dragonfly (Brachytron pratense), is a species of dragonfly.
Description[]
The Hairy Dragonfly is named for its hairy thorax, distinguishing it from other hawkers. It has a long, narrow pterostigma (the coloured coloured, chitinous patch on the outer region of each wing).
The antehumeral stripes are usually thin and green. The Hairy Dragonfly has coupled, oval-shaped markings on its abdomen, blue on males and yellow on females. It is the United Kingdom's smallest hawker.
When the Hairy Dragonfly is active
Habitat[]
The Hairy Dragonfly lives in ponds, lakes, fens, ditches, and canals rich in vegetation. Some plants that grow there include the common club rush, common reed, great fen sedge, and true bulrush. This dragonfly requires open and sunny areas with dense vegetation for protection. Here they are able to feed on flying insects, shelter, and grow sexually mature.
Although it is a common species, it is susceptible to uncongenial ditch management and poor water conditions. The is the reason the species disappeared for a few years, only to return recently. More so then its other relatives, the Hairy Dragonfly will only fly in sunshine and will hastily retreat if the sun happens to go in.
Food and feeding Habitats[]
Like typical hawkers, the Hairy Dragonfly preys in mid-air on flying insects. It then carries its food to a suitable perch where it is able to eat and digest.
Life stages[]
The Hairy Dragonfly's flight period is short and early, beginning in mid-May and ending in mid-July. Dead vegetation and living stems growing in the water, close to the water's edge, provide a home for the eggs. Two years later, larvae emerge by scaling plant stems just above the surface of the water or possibly crawling inland for about a meter where they have room to spread their wings.