Dragonhunter (a giant darner dragonfly)

Wooded habitats near ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams across eastern North America. Adults often patrol forest edges and shorelines.

Adults catch flying insects, especially other dragonflies, in midair; they consume prey while perched or in flight. Aquatic nymphs ambush and eat small aquatic animals, including insect larvae and tadpoles.

Strong, agile fliers that patrol territories and frequently perch on trunks or branches. Females deposit eggs in submerged wood or vegetation; nymphs develop underwater for several years before emerging.

Harmless to people and beneficial predators of mosquitoes, flies, and other insects. They may bite if restrained, but cannot sting.