Common sand dragon (a dragonfly)

Sandy, clean, slow-moving streams and rivers, especially with exposed banks. Adults rest on rocks, soil, and vegetation near water.

Adults capture flying insects, including mosquitoes, flies, and small moths. Aquatic nymphs ambush insect larvae and other small aquatic organisms.

Adults are strong, low-flying hunters that often perch on the ground and patrol stream edges. Females lay eggs in sandy shallows; nymphs burrow in sediment for roughly 1–3 years before emerging.

Harmless to people and beneficial as a predator of nuisance insects. Its presence can indicate relatively healthy stream habitat.