We all marvel at the beauty and acrobatics of dragonflies and damselflies. Less well known is that years of their life are spent underwater as nymphs; the T-Rex of their world. While eye-catching adults patrol the airspace for a few weeks to months, some nymphs stalk on the bottoms of ponds, lakes, wetlands, and streams for up to 4-6 years. The first photo is of an adult male Eastern Pondhawk. The second photo is of Dragonhunter (Hagenius brevistylus) nymphs that may lurk underwater for up to 7 years. As it's name suggests, dragonflies are on the dragonhunter's menu.
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