Dragonfly Larva Capturing Prey

Occurred on March 6, 2019 / Dohr, Germany

Info from Licensor: "My name is Lothar Lenz, and I am a biologist and wildlife photographer from the Eifel region in Germany. My work focuses on documenting the behavior and diversity of local wildlife, aiming to inspire people with the often-hidden wonders of nature.

Recently, I had the opportunity to film the fascinating hunting behavior of a dragonfly larva. These larvae, belonging to the family Aeshnidae, are true masters of underwater predation. Their camouflage is nearly perfect: their brownish-green coloration allows them to blend seamlessly with the substrate of ponds and slow-moving water bodies. However, their most remarkable weapon is the so-called 'prementum' or 'mask' – a marvel of evolutionary design.

The mask is a highly specialized mouthpart consisting of three main components: an elongated, articulated labium (lower lip) and two terminal hooks that securely grasp the prey. When not in use, the mask is folded under the head, partially covering the other mouthparts. Through rapid muscle contractions, the mask is shot forward like a spring-loaded grappling arm.

The movement of the mask is so precise and lightning-fast that it often captures prey before they have time to react. The terminal hooks are equipped with spines or serrations to firmly grip the prey. Once caught, the larva retracts the mask, drawing the prey within reach of its mandibles (upper jaws), where it is shredded and consumed. This sophisticated mechanism allows the larva to efficiently capture even agile prey such as water fleas, tadpoles, or small fish.

In my footage, the dragonfly larva can be seen patiently waiting in the water until a water flea ventures close enough. Then, the strike: the mask shoots out in a fraction of a second, secures the prey, and brings it to the mouth. This behavior showcases an incredible level of precision and efficiency, even in such small organisms.

Dragonfly larvae play a vital role in aquatic ecosystems. As predators, they regulate populations of smaller aquatic animals, while serving as prey for fish, amphibians, and other species. Additionally, they are valuable bioindicators for water quality, as they can only thrive in clean, oxygen-rich environments.

Through footage like this, I aim to highlight the fascinating and essential aspects of our local wildlife. Especially in times when habitats are increasingly threatened, it is crucial to foster an appreciation for the diversity and importance of even the smallest inhabitants of our natural world."