Looking like a piece of stunning jewelry with wings. A Shadow Darner (Aeshna umbrosa). A large insect up to 3 inches in length. They’re found in all provinces of Canada with the exception of Newfoundland, and in the contiguous United States with the exception of Utah, Arizona, Wyoming, Texas, Louisiana, and Florida.

Amazing in flight, these Shadow Darners’ wings beat independently, allowing them to move through the air forwards, backwards and sideways with ease. As an adult they live for only about 2 weeks. During that time they eat flies, moths and butterflies, mosquitoes, small dragonflies, gnats, and damselflies, depending upon their agility to capture these insects.

Beautiful and talented as well.

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