Nature can be brutal.

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.