Brachytron pratense (Hairy Hawker) is easily distinguished from other hawkers by its small size, hairy thorax (hence the vernacular name), long and narrow pterostigmas and dark abdomen with small markings. The hairy thorax is an adaption to cool weather: Hairy Hawkers are among the first dragonflies to emerge in spring.
The range of Hairy Hawker covers practically every European country although Mediterranean populations are few and scattered. Outside Europe it can be found on isolated locations in Turkey, northern Iran and Georgia.
in and around Europe
