Nature can be brutal.

[Solly Mack]

I was outside this morning and noticed a blue dasher dragonfly resting on the marigolds. I took a minute to admire the little thing when it suddenly took flight and, in an instant, snatched a butterfly out of the air. The dragonfly landed again to feast on its catch. I made a face and went inside. I know it happens. I just wasn't prepared for it to happen right in front of me.

A few hours later I was back outside with my camera. I was hoping to get some hummingbird shots.

This fellow landed.



He even smiled.



Then he flew up, grabbed a butterfly, and came to rest on the foot stool. Took mere seconds to take off, snatch, land.










I began to notice other dragonflies lurking near the butterfly garden.

Halloween Pennant



Common white-tailed dragonfly




Dragonflies, the ones large enough, and some do grow fairly large, will eat small frogs and lizards too.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. Yes indeed, Nature can be brutal to our eyes, my dear Solly . . .

We kill creatures to eat so we can live, and so do the dragonflies.

There is no other way. And it is shocking, esp. right in front of you.

I think you did the right thing for you by going inside.

The photos are very good, as they always are. I'm glad to see you back, posting more these days.

Thank you!

[Solly Mack]

2. Thanks, Peggy. :)

[mnhtnbb]

3. I had no idea that dragonflies would go after butterflies!

I worry about the birds in my yard going after the butterflies. But the butterflies don't seem bothered by the birds.

[Solly Mack]

4. They're effective predators. They eat the insects you don't want but they also eat the ones you do.

Blue Jays and Mockingbirds eat butterflies. Other birds do too.

A Blue Jay will also go after the nest of a Hummingbird. As will squirrels.