The Dragonhunter is North America's largest dragonfly in the clubtail family, with a robust build and vivid yellow-and-black striping. True to its name, it specializes in hunting and eating other large dragonflies and sizable insects. It is a powerful, fast flier found along forested rivers and streams where it patrols long linear territories.
Best time to see a Dragonhunter
The best time to see a Dragonhunter is June–July, when about 67% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 6,220 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Dragonhunter? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Dragonhunter sightings near you
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