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Vagrant darter

 

Vagrant darter

Harilik loigukiil

Sympetrum vulgatum

 

 

... and the dragonflies, our largest insects - seen to wing and body measurements - are out flying. With beautiful autumn weather they are still active. The predatory dragonflies hunt their prey in the air; they have strong jaws and feet with spiny outgrowths that can form a basketlike trap. Thus they hunt insects in flight.

 

 

Mating vagrant darters

 

Dragonflies lay their eggs in water bodies. The next generation, the dragonfly larvae, or nymphs, live in water and are also predators, using a hinged "hunting mask“ with hooks that is thrust forward to catch a prey. Before emerging as adults the larvae moult several times.