Dragonfly on the rocks? It sounds like a summertime beverage, but it accurately describes what I saw last Friday while exploring a stream in Prince William County, Virginia with fellow dragonfly enthusiast Walter Sanford. I think it is a Dragonhunter dragonfly (Hagenius brevistylus), but the unusual angle makes it tough to made a definitive determination of the species, because I am not able to see critical portions of the dragonfly’s anatomy.
In the past when I have spotted Dragonhunters, they have been perched on branches overhanging the water and that is where I expect to find them. This encounter is a good reminder for me to stay alert at all times—my subjects may not have read the identification guides about how they are supposed to behave.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
You’d think they could wear name tags 🙂
When I first saw the words “dragon hunter” (which popped out at me) I thought this was going to be about dragonfly predator.
Your instincts are correct, Dan. Dragonhunters are one of the fiercest and largest predators in the dragonfly world and other dragonflies are often their main prey. In terms of the impact of a name, the “Red-footed Cannibalfly” is the one that gives me the creeps.
Eeeew, yeah, that’s creepy.
Number two on my list might be the Twice-stabbed Stink Bug–you can’t make this stuff up. 🙂 When you look at the bug, though, you can easily see where it got its name. (https://michaelqpowell.com/2012/07/23/twice-stabbed-stink-bug-captured-alive/)
That must have been from before I found your site. You have to wonder about the folks who name these things.
It looks as fierce as I read above they are. Fascinating info and incredible photo, Mike.
Thanks, Jet. I love learning new things about the creatures I photograph, though sometimes the reality is creepy or terrifying.
Benjamin loved this photo even better after we enlarged it for him to study the details. He immediately laughed and said : “Look, the Dragonfly put on a humongous smile for Mr. Mike’s photo!” I laughed too, because it does look rather like a smile for your camera. Thank-you, Mr. Mike!!
Benjamin’s comments on the dragonfly smile put a smile on my face. It definitely looks like the dragonfly was posing for me and I did not even have to say “Cheese.” 🙂
Nice Mike!! Enjoyed seeing your Dragohunter!