Hairy Dragonfly vs Northern Emerald Dragonfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Hairy Dragonfly Northern Emerald Dragonfly
Scientific Name Brachytron pratense Somatochlora arctica
Order Odonata Odonata
Family Aeshnidae Corduliidae
Size 54-63mm 48-55 mm body length
Habitat Wetlands Heathland
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Europe Northern Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Near Threatened

Hairy Dragonfly

The earliest-emerging hawker dragonfly in Europe, with a distinctively hairy thorax. Males have blue and green markings on a dark body. It flies along ditches and reed-fringed waterways.

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Did You Know?

It emerges up to two months earlier than other hawkers, giving it exclusive access to spring insect prey.

Northern Emerald Dragonfly

A rare dragonfly of northern bogs and moorland pools. Has brilliant emerald-green eyes and a bronzy-green body. One of the most northerly-ranging dragonfly species.

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Did You Know?

One of the few dragonfly species adapted to breed in acidic bog pools with very low nutrient levels.