Dragon chow

Identification - Orthetrum testaceum testaceum.

Most of the time, dragons chow on much smaller prey and they are consumed in seconds. But these most successful of hunters, aerial at that, are capable of bringing down more sizeable prey, including other dragonflies!

This one is chowing on a hoverfly, one of insect's most proficient aeronauts, which gives some indication of the masterful skill of this ferocious predator.

Just think, 300 million years ago, dragonflies were upto 70cm (27 inches) wingspan. I wonder what they fed on back in the good old days of the carboniferous period.

Enjoy your lunch.

Dave