Meet our Giant Dragonfly friend. Today’s snapshot was a surprise encounter for us, so we included it for the Sunday post! The top picture introducing the post shows the dragonfly head-on. He (or she!) looks like some kind of space creature.
Meet Uropetala Carovei, the New Zealand Giant Dragonfly. It is New Zealand’s largest dragonfly. Here is its classification according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened species:
“This species is not common, but appears to be widespread. Threats are likely to be localized, and therefore it is assessed as Least Concern.”
It is the first time we have ever seen one this big and according to our research, its flying season is 6-9 weeks but is this can change according to weather conditions. The nymphal period (when it is a larva still growing) varies from 5-6 years depending on the local environment.
We spotted the dragonfly while we were checking our cucumber and pumpkin patch in a corner of the garden. A stream runs through here, and it may be part of the reason we saw the dragonfly. Dragonflies are flying creatures whose larvae grow up near muddy streams.
It is the biggest dragonfly we are ever seen. Its body was over 8 cms/3.2 inches long. It had flown away when we went back to check a few hours later.
Have a happy flying Sunday, everyone!
very impressive and regal looking,xx Speedy
Cool Dragonfly! Mom used to see LOADS when she lived in Midway! Some of the Blue Darners are just about that big, but they are Blue!
Mommy just LOVED to see your dragonflies (She LOVES them)
Purrs
Marv
These are lovely close up selfies of the Giant Dragonfly.
Those are amazing photos.
Wow, it’s big indeed ! Terrific selfie ! Purrs
What a terrific selfie! We love dragonflies here. In the Japanese culture, they are seen as the spirits of the ancestors coming to visit. 🙂
WOW! That is a totally amazing selfie!!!
Holy cat! We all think we’d be scared if we ran into one of those!
Wow! That is an amazing dragonfly! The ones we have around here re often sort of maroon in color.
Nice pictures! I love dragonflies. I even named my editing business after a dragonfly (Sundragon).
Oh we LOVE that. Sundragon sounds beautiful, intelligent and a touch fierce!
Beautiful photos of the dragonfly. Spectacular.
Have a super day.
hugs, Bugsy and Knuckles
Wow, that is a lovely set of selfie and body shots of that lovely dragonfly. So wonderful to see. Do thank them for being a guest on your post.
Toodle pips and purrs
Erin
Dat are an impressive one!
Wow, Harvey, that dragonfly is so interesting. I think he’s probably the most unusual selfie participant we have ever had. It’s amazing how long the larval period is. We are surprised that they can survive that long without being destroyed by weather, predators and other natural occurrences. Thanks so much for sharing this insect with us. Our mom sends you a big kiss. ?
XOCK, angel Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, angel Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth, Calista Jo, Cooper Murphy and Sawyer