Insect · GBIF taxon 1426642
Dragonhunter
Hagenius brevistylusAlso known as Dragon Hunter
As North America's largest clubtail dragonfly, the dragonhunter is a formidable aerial predator that routinely catches and consumes other dragonflies, butterflies, and bees in midair. Adults spend sunny afternoons perched on exposed logs or riverbank branches, keeping a watchful eye over rocky forest streams. Their aquatic nymphs are equally distinctive, living for several years on the riverbed as flattened, leaf-like hunters before emerging.
PredatoryFlyerFreshwater
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Other Dragonflies
- Butterflies
- Bees
Predators
- Birds
- Frogs
- Large Spiders
ThreatsWater pollution, siltation, and destruction of forested stream banks
HabitatsClear, fast-flowing forest streams, rivers, and wooded lake shores
Life span3–5 years (mostly as aquatic nymphs; adults live 1–2 months)
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyGomphidae
- SpeciesHagenius brevistylus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Harmless to humans; safe to observe from a short distance.
Responsible observation
- Look Near Water: Search exposed rocks and overhanging branches along clean, rocky forest streams.
- Watch Perches: Observe sunny log tips where individuals wait to ambush flying insects.
- Approach Slowly: Move calmly when approaching a perched dragonfly to avoid triggering flight.
Prey (c) Eugene Zelenko, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Competitor (c) Blake Ross, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Daughter Dad, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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