I read that over 1,300 insect and arthropod species are commonly cannibalistic. Generalists, like praying mantises, robber flies, and dragonflies are among those many species. A bug's got to eat!!
Outstanding Information, {as always} I am going to pay more attention to the dragonfly's that visit our pond, right now we have a beautiful orange one that seems to dominate the area. I've seen a blue one and one with clear wings with black stripes that come and go but the orange one is here every day. Thanks Dan, looking forward to the next post.
Such a delight to see and hear so much about! I love watching the dragonflies in their travels. Thanks for sharing so much about their habits and their eyes!
Thanks Sally. I think that it is a matter of survival and a good meal never being passed up. There are plenty of other females around to help keep the species going. A strong male is good for the species. I read that over 1,300 arthropod and insect species practice cannibalism. Predators who are generalists are the culprits. We commonly know about praying mantises, black-widow spiders, even tarantulas, so it is not so suprising.
Vibrant colors!
Thanks. They are very colorful!
Incredible pictures Dan! Your story is so informative, then to find out what he is eating! Yikes, no wonder he's called a Pond Hawk!
Thanks Pete. They really are incredible creatures.
Wow! I didn't know that a dragonfly would be a cannibal!
I read that over 1,300 insect and arthropod species are commonly cannibalistic. Generalists, like praying mantises, robber flies, and dragonflies are among those many species. A bug's got to eat!!
Outstanding Information, {as always} I am going to pay more attention to the dragonfly's that visit our pond, right now we have a beautiful orange one that seems to dominate the area. I've seen a blue one and one with clear wings with black stripes that come and go but the orange one is here every day. Thanks Dan, looking forward to the next post.
Thanks Dela. I wonder if you are seeing Flame Skimmers? They are a common and very orange dragonfly here.
Such a delight to see and hear so much about! I love watching the dragonflies in their travels. Thanks for sharing so much about their habits and their eyes!
Thank you very much Marylou.
Excellent post with gorgeous shots, but that last one is a real shocker. Hard to figure out what the evolutionary benefit would be...
Thanks Sally. I think that it is a matter of survival and a good meal never being passed up. There are plenty of other females around to help keep the species going. A strong male is good for the species. I read that over 1,300 arthropod and insect species practice cannibalism. Predators who are generalists are the culprits. We commonly know about praying mantises, black-widow spiders, even tarantulas, so it is not so suprising.
Excellent series and interesting comments!
Thanks Calvin!