I went back to the emerging Dragonhunters, which I featured in my last post, several more times before we had to leave Minnesota, and more of them may yet appear here, but in the meantime, I’d like to share another wonderfully-fierce mosquito predator, the dreaded (and revered) Four-Spotted Skimmer (Libellula quadrimaculata).
Though not as large or as plentiful as the Dragonhunters, these are known to attack—in addition to mosquitoes—much larger insects, including even Monarch butterflies and others of their own kind. This one appears to be very strong indeed, as it seems to have escaped a serious entanglement in a spider web, judging by the remnants in those wings.
krikitarts 
Wonderful shot, Gary, of an awesome-looking dragonfly. It looks like Minnesota is home to some pretty fierce species–only the strong survive there.
We really love these guys! When they and the rest of their family appear, we can see the mosquito population diminish by the day.
Such great detail!
I was fortunate to have a momentary lull in the breeze and that it chose to stay put long enough for me to squeeze off one shot, from about 8 feet away. I’m pleased, too!
Our Dragons and Damsels seem reluctant to fly this year….I guess another victim of the odd spring and now summer we are ‘enjoying’ (-:
Sorry to hear that, David. It’s quite alarming how the climatic oddities can throw the normal biorhythms out of kilter. May you have a prompt return to more normal patterns!
Nice shot. I love the fact that it isn’t perfect – that it is a tough life
The main thing is that it was able to fly (apparently) perfectly well, in spite of the additional baggage.
Beautiful portrait, Gary. A