Dragonhunter

Description:

This large dragonfly is yellow and black and will be up to 8.4 cm (3.3 in) in length. Eyes are green. Legs are black with short stiff spines. The top of abdomen segments 9 and 10 are black. But, there is no other black and yellow dragonfly this size in Minnesota's north woods.

Habitat:

Moderate to swift-flowing streams in the north woods. I photographed this large dragonfly as it perched near a large lake in northern Minnesota.

Notes:

This dragonfly is the only member of its genus. It's hunting prowness and aggressive nature is legendary among dragonfly enthusiasts. It's head looks small compared to the rest of the body but that is because its thorax is so large. Big, heavy and muscular this dragonfly often feeds on large insects such as other large dragonflies, butterflies (including the distasteful Monarch butterflies), and even other dragonhunters! They also seem immune to wasp venom. Plus, and don't hate them for this, they've even been known to attack and kill hummingbirds. These are among the most impressive insects I've ever seen. I saw my first three this last week in Voyageurs National Park.