Sunday, July 19, 2020

The Dragonhunter

Our daughter-in-law was hiking with the girls, and spotted this. It even stopped and posed for her!

We both later learned that this is called a Dragonhunter. They have massive bodies and powerful legs. It's legs actually look bigger than those of a bird! They do not fly around looking for food like regular dragonflies. Instead, they perch and wait patiently. Then they reach out with their legs and catch their pray, which is often other dragonflies!!!


I had no idea that this insect existed until now! I think I may have run...

21 comments:

CheerfulMonk said...

They look scary to me!!

Linda said...

I have never seen one of these! Amazing!

crafty cat corner said...

Oooo, that's creepy. I don't think we have them over here thankfully.
Look at the size of those legs.
Briony
x

Ella said...

Wow! It looks like a helicopter ... Very big insect is that!
I'm so sorry that Saturday I couldn't write a comment on your blog.
Due to a technical problem ... I didn't have internet all weekend!
Have a great week, Ginny!

Natalia said...

That is a wonderful capture!

Hootin Anni said...

This is amazing & all new to me.

Ann said...

This is the first time I've ever heard of a dragonhunter. Interesting that they will catch other dragonflies for food.

Carol said...

I never heard of a dragonhunter, but I am thankful that I have never seen one either as they look scary.

Rose said...

Wonderful shot...it looks like it has been on steroids.

Nancy Chan said...

They look like nasty robots. Have a blessed new week.

George said...

This is a wonderful photo of a strange insect.

MadSnapper said...

I have never seen one like this or even heard of one and it's a little freaky or creepy. With those funny looking legs! I stopped liking dragonflies when I found out that their favorite food to eat is butterflies and then right after I found that out I saw one of the dragonflies attack one of our butterflies while it was flying over the pool when it just rip the Wings off of it so then I quit liking them. And I do know that they're part of the food chain

DeniseinVA said...

How fascinating! I have never seen one before either. Great photo of this interesting little creature. Thanks for the picture of the dragonfly also. Interesting information and illustration. I love learning.

Beside a babbling brook... said...

I love dragon flies.... But don't think, I like this one.

πŸ’šπŸŒΏπŸ’š

Susie said...

Ginny, Flying things interest me but oh gosh I would not want one of those to land on me. LOL Dragonflies make me think they are the helicopters of flying insects. :) Blessings, xoxo, Susie

Carla from The River said...

Amazing, thank you for sharing Ginny!

The troll and wheelbarrow are not mine in the photo on my blog, but they sure are fun setting out in front of a shop I like in Bayfield, Wisconsin.

Love and prayers,
Carla

Jeanette said...

Yes, I may have run if I saw that too!

Ruth Hiebert said...

Very interesting Information .

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous (and a little scary looking!) ♥

Chatty Crone said...

Beautiful - unique - and scary all at the same time.

Sandi said...

I had no idea. So are these like giant dragonflies?

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