Starting out from Brooklyn, an amateur naturalist explores our world.
As John Burroughs said, “The place to observe nature is where you are.”
Let’s start Monday with a reminder that we are outnumbered. From some recent explorations in the city and beyond:
Odonata larva.
Jellyfish.
Wolf spider.
Worm. (With iridescent slime!)
Leaf-footed bug. 
Snail. Yes, they — they’re hermaphrodites — are in there.
Carry on.
Great shots, Captain! The Odonata Larvae (Dragonfly and Damselfly?) seem to be impressive hunters of small fish (I googled them); reminding me of the fearsome Giant Water Bug seen in pet store aquariums (at least they sold them in Japan) — the ones that dive down to attack and overpower fish larger than themselves. My question: Are the Odonata Larvae unique in that they eat bigger/stronger prey than their fully-formed, Dragonfly selves (don’t Dragonflies eat only small flies and mosquitos)?
K
This particular one is a dragonfly larva. Damselfly larvae have three feathery external gills extending from the back of the tipoff the abdomen.
I don’t think adult D & Ds can take larger prey because of the weight issue; having to carry something heavier. So they generally eat smaller insects. Sometimes tiny little gnats; but I suppose if you eat enough of them, like chips, they fill you up.
I’ve seen pictures of dragonflies killing hummingbirds, though I suspect it’s not common. Not flying with them, though.
Yikes!
Backyard and Beyond 
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