Hairy Dragonfly
Brachytron pratense
Brachytron is a monotypic genus of European dragonfly of the family Aeshnidae containing the hairy dragonfly, also known as the hairy hawker or spring hawker. It is found in Europe and Asia Minor, as far east as the Caspian Sea.
41
Countries
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hairy_dragonfly
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Odonata
Family
Aeshnidae
Genus
Brachytron
Hairy Dragonfly belongs to the family Aeshnidae, order Odonata, within the Insecta class.
Species Profile
Brachytron is a monotypic genus of European dragonfly of the family Aeshnidae containing the hairy dragonfly, also known as the hairy hawker or spring hawker. It is found in Europe and Asia Minor, as far east as the Caspian Sea. With a typical length of around 5.5 centimetres (2.2 in) it resides close to water bodies containing plants and has a flight season running from May to July.
The Hairy Dragonfly faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat loss and degradation of its specialized wetland breeding sites. Drainage of ditches, ponds, and grazing marshes for agricultural intensification and urban development has eliminated much of its suitable habitat. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and changes in water management practices further threaten the remaining populations.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
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...
Threats
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
The Hairy Dragonfly faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat loss and degradation of its specialized wetland breeding sites. Drainage of ditches, ponds, and grazing marshes for agricultural intensification and urban development has eliminated much of its suitable habitat. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and changes in water management practices further threaten the remaining populations.
Agricultural intensification
Habitat loss and drainage of wetlands
Water pollution and eutrophication
Changes in water management practices
Urban development pressure
Found in 41 Countries
National vs Global Threat Status
How this species is assessed at the national level compared to its IUCN global status (CR).
| Country | National Status | Global Status | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU | LCLeast Concern | CRCritically Endangered | Lower local risk |
| EU | LCLeast Concern | CRCritically Endangered | Lower local risk |
National Red List data sourced from the National Red List Project (nationalredlist.org, ZSL) and country-specific Red List authorities.
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
National Red Lists: ZSL (2025). National Red List. Zoological Society of London. Available at: https://www.nationalredlist.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Hairy Dragonfly (Brachytron pratense). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/hairy-dragonfly