Dragonhunter - Hagenius brevistylus
In this post we witness the utter pinnacle of the airborne predatory insects of Canada! It has the size, stamina, ferocity, and acrobatic prowess worthy of its common name: Dragonhunter. As that imposing name suggests, this aerial predator is so large that it has no trouble bringing down Odonates smaller than itself and reducing them to food. On the Odonata front, it's natural to assume that Damselflies would be easy prey given their dainty build and (relatively) weaker flying, but this apex predator also has a reputation for capturing Darner Dragonflies and will even take down its fellow Clubtails! Otherwise, it will pursue and overtake other airborne insects including stinging Hymenopterans, Flies, and large-winged Butterflies. Essentially, any insect that frequents the water or plant-life near the water. According to observations, the Dragonhunter will jet after prey and catch it in midair using its large legs. The attack usually comes from above, and individuals have even been reported to knock flying prey into water for an easier catch! The prey will be then be dispatched via a crush of the mandible and consumed upon perching. With such a vicious streak, you have to wonder if anything is safe from this master hunter. Since it relies on airspeed and great vision to track prey, the only chance of safety against this Dragonfly is to be a larger, more impervious threat such a frog, large bird, or perhaps an inquisitive raccoon.
With this fearsome hunter's reputation established, it may be of some relief to know that this eager male did not appear to be hunting when I found it. Rather it appears to be in need of rest and a moment under the shade of the dock's umbrella. Looking at it up close, we can see that the posterior sections of its abdomen are widened out to form a club shape, that only gives us information on this Dragonfly's family (Gomphidae) for now. In terms of distinguishing features, we need to all across this burly beast's body. Firstly, its size. Dragonhunters are distinctly large relative to other Dragonflies in the area. Moreover, the legs will be quite large and widespread while the thorax of the Hunter should be larger in proportion to the Dragonfly's head. We can see that here, along with mesmerizing green eyes which are the most beautiful sight of this lake visitor. Finally, let's return to the tail/abdomen: the patterning along the top of the abdomen is distinct, and the last two segments (9 and 10) won't have any patterning up top. They may however have a distinct pattern on the side continuing from segments 7 and 8 (see Picture 4). Finally, and most easily noticeable in these images, this specie's enlarged abdomen is shaped in a most unusual way: while flying and at rest, the abdomen pitches downward towards the tip and forms a sort of "J-shape" when viewed from the side. What a magnificent cottage find!
Pictures were taken on August 9, 2025 in Muskoka with a Google Pixel 8a.
