Dragonfly Hunting over Grassland at Tungkillo, South Australia Patrick Prior
The rolling hills of Tungkillo, South Australia exemplify the typical peaceful and desirable countryside. With over 320 species of dragonfly in Australia alone, it would be impossible to even guess the species while it is flying. Close to the Murray River, this property sees its fair share of mosquitoes which this dragonfly is likely gorging itself on, alongside butterflies, bees, moths, wasps and other smaller dragonflies.
As it darts over the grasses, likely Great Brome (Bromus diandrus), squirrel-tail fescue (Vulpia bromoides), Barley Grass (Hordeum leporinum), and other similar grasses, the dragonfly hunts its prey with a 95-97% success rate. This is due to their 360-degree vision with around 30,000 lenses in their eyes and their four independently moving wings. It is easy to become accustomed to a dragonfly being 'just a bug' but upon further investigation, this bug is one of the most accomplished predators and has an incredibly unique design.

