|Eastern Pondhawk dragonfly|
According to the League of Naturalists, at Bear Mountain State park, there are over 400 species of dragonfly and damselfly found in the US, of which about 180 are found in New York! When many dragonflies hunt, they create a basket with their legs. As they fly and dart about, they are capturing flying insects which get caught on the barbs of the dragonfly's legs, ensnaring them, for an inflight lunch. Gnats, mosquitos, moths, and other pests are favorites however will consume a bumblebee or two if the opportunity arises.
When looking out over the western pastures in the early evening, one can see the silvery flash as the last bits of sunlight sparkle off their wings. The buzzing rattle created during their flight makes it easy to imagine an enchanted world of fairies.
For more information go to:
http://piplon.org/pdf files/DAMSELFLIES AND DRAGONFLIES OF SOUTHERN NEW YORK.pdf