First Dragons

A nice sunny day at last, so a short trip to a local wetland to find some of the first dragonflies of the year seemed a good idea.

Found a female 4-spotted chaser (Libellula quadrimaculata) emerging about half a meter from the water.


4-spotted chaser emerging from laval skin


opening the wings


pumping and drying wings

head shot

female ready for lift off


The main reason for the trip was to find the Hairy Hawker (Brachytron pratense). The males were hawking low down as advertised, only rarely settling for any length of time.

Noticably shorter and stubbier than more familiar hawkers and it helps they are out earlier than most other dragons. Sides green, interupted by two black lines.

Hairy Dragonfly male