This is different. Yes, it is a. dragonfly but this one is a Ruby Meadowhawk . We saw two of them on our recent butterfly hike. I do not recall observing one of these before. I love the color.
~ Rick
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This is the second time this year for me to capture a photo of a Dragonhunter. They are really very cool. From the link provided above:
Their long, strong wings allow them to chase fast-flying prey (they can hit about 25 mph) and their legs are equipped with stout spines so they can hang onto it. Legler, in Dragonflies of Wisconsin, says, “When feeding it perches on dirt roads waiting for other dragonflies, including darners, to fly down the road. The Dragonhunter then swoops up after the darner from behind. Or it may perch on branches high in treetops. It then swoops down on passing dragonflies and back up to the treetop to eat.” Dragonflies (sometimes even other Dragonhunters), make up a respectable proportion of their menu...
They even eat large butterflies. A real hunter.
~ Rick
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What if
This is a Dragonhunter .. a really big dragonfly. I think this one is about 4 inches long. I took this quote from an app I use to help me identify insects (Check out Picture Insect App (iOS)).
The dragonhunter (Hagenius brevistylus) is a large dragonfly with black and yellow markings. It's a solitary species with a territorial behavior. It will vigorously protect its territory from other dragonflies, it has also been known to attack songbirds too. It's most active when the sun is out, and it typically rests parallel to the sun's rays.
From wikipedia:
The adult feeds on large insects, including darner and clubtail dragonflies, sometimes ambushing them from above. It also takes monarch butterflies, eating the thorax and abdomen first to avoid the greatest concentration of cardenolide toxins.
Amazing .. and one big bug hunter.
~ Rick
Rick’s latest technology muse:
Check out our vlog, which includes more pictures and video on YouTube at tales.photos. Remember to subscribe!
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©2019 ©2020 Rick Cartwright