Several Cobra Clubtail dragonflies (Gomphus vastus) were spotted during a photowalk along the Potomac River at Riverbend Park, Fairfax County, Virginia USA.
Cobra Clubtail seems to be a voracious predator. Three individuals were observed eating smaller insects.
Male 1
The first individual is a male, as indicated by his terminal appendages. He is eating a Crane Fly.

16 MAY 2016 | Riverbend Park | Cobra Clubtail (male)

16 MAY 2016 | Riverbend Park | Cobra Clubtail (male)
Male 2
Another male was observed eating a small butterfly, possibly an Eastern Tailed-blue (Cupido comyntas).

16 MAY 2016 | Riverbend Park | Cobra Clubtail (male)
Female
The last individual is a female, as indicated by her terminal appendages and the rounded shape of its hind wings. She is eating an unknown species of damselfly (female).

16 MAY 2016 | Riverbend Park | Cobra Clubtail (female)

16 MAY 2016 | Riverbend Park | Cobra Clubtail (female)
Copyright © 2016 Walter Sanford. All rights reserved.
Tags: Clubtail Family, Cobra Clubtail dragonfly, female, Gomphus vastus, male, Potomac River, predator, prey, Riverbend Park, terminal appendages, wildlife photography
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