Hairy Hawker (Brachytron pratense)
These are the first of the dragonflies to appear in Somerset as well as the rest of the UK. Westhay nature reserve seems to be the first to show these. The earliest I've seen them here is April 17th, but it does need a hot and sunny April for this, otherwise by early May they tend to be around.
The smallest of the hawkers and known as hairy due to their hairy thorax.
Males have a pale blue and black abdomen, the thorax is a brown and greenish/yellow colour.
Females have a yellow and black abdomen, the thorax is a brown and yellow colour.
Generally, the only hawker out at this time of the year and hence it is hard to get confused with other hawkers. The Emperor will be out in late May, but these are very different and hard to get confused over.
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male (Teneral / Newly Emerged - still to open wings)
Male (Teneral / Newly Emerged - Just opened wings)
Female
Female
Female
Female
Female
Female
Female
Female (cleaning her eyes)
Female
Mating
Mating
Want to See
Like clean, slow moving water sources
So found predominately on the Somerset Levels
I've seen them by the River Parrett, by rhynes, ponds, and in fields
Especially Good
SWT Westhay Nature Reserve - Mid-April (if hot and sunny April), Through May
RSPB Ham Wall Nature Reserve - Route 1 (May)
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