Dragon Hunter: All You Need to Know for Your Next Adventure!

Dragon Hunter is a thrilling adventure that takes players into a world full of dragons and mythical creatures. As a dragon hunter, your mission is to track and capture these elusive beasts to obtain valuable rewards and ultimately become the best in your field.

Throughout the game, players will encounter various types of dragons, each with their own unique abilities and strengths. To succeed in Dragon Hunter, it’s essential to develop strategies and tactics that cater to each dragon’s characteristics. For example, some dragons may be more vulnerable to certain weapons, while others might require a stealthier approach.

Key features of Dragon Hunter include:

• Numerous dragon species to track and capture
• Stunning, immersive environments
• A range of weapons and gear to help you conquer your foes
• The ability to upgrade your skills and equipment for better hunting capabilities

Some pros and cons of playing Dragon Hunter are:

Pros:

• Entertaining gameplay that keeps players engaged
• Offers a good balance between challenge and reward
• Encourages strategic thinking and decision-making

Cons:

• Can be time-consuming, especially for completionists
• Some elements may not appeal to casual gamers

Dragon Hunter: Origins and Overview

Role and Class

Dragon Hunter is a class that specializes in fighting and eliminating dragons. The main features of a Dragon Hunter include:

• Proficient in ranged combat
• Knowledgeable about dragons’ weaknesses
• Skilled in tracking and trapping dragons

For example, a Dragon Hunter might use a specialized bow or crossbow to target dragons from a distance, exploiting their vulnerabilities for maximum effect.

Hunter vs Warrior

Comparing the two classes, Dragon Hunters and Warriors, they possess distinct characteristics and play different roles in the game. Here’s a comparison table to help demonstrate the differences between them:

• Both classes are effective in their own right, but the Dragon Hunter excels in fighting dragons specifically, while the Warrior is a more versatile fighter.

In conclusion, the Dragon Hunter class is a specialized role, focusing on battling dragons with ranged weapons and tactics. Meanwhile, the Warrior class has a broader combat range but lacks the specific knowledge and abilities tailored to combating dragons.

Core Abilities and Skills

Melee and Ranged Attacks

Dragon Hunters excel in both melee and ranged attacks. They wield powerful weapons like swords and longbows, dealing high damage per second (DPS) to enemies. For example:

• Sword: Effective for close-range melee combat, slashing through foes.
• Longbow: Perfect for long-range attacks, targeting enemies from a distance.

Support and Buffs

Dragon Hunters also possess support and buffs to aid their allies during battle, using magic for healing and guardian skills to shield their teammates. For instance:

• Healing: Delivers restoring magic to mend wounds and recover health.
• Guardian: Provides protection and enhances allies’ abilities in combat.

Traps and AOE Damage

Traps and area of effect (AOE) damage are essential components of the Dragon Hunter skillset, allowing them to control the battlefield and inflict widespread damage. This includes:

• Traps: Crafty devices laid to surprise and immobilize enemies.
• AOE Damage: Delivers powerful attacks affecting multiple enemies in a specific area.

In conclusion, Dragon Hunters offer versatile abilities, effective in melee and ranged combat, support roles, and controlling the battlefield through traps and AOE damage. Whether fighting up-close or from a distance, their skillset makes them valuable in any team composition.

Fighting Dragons and Other Enemies

Types of Dragons

There are various types of dragons, each with unique characteristics:

• Fire-breathing dragons: These dragons have the ability to breathe fire, dealing high damage output with their flaming attacks.
• Flying dragons: Equipped with wings, flying dragons can take to the skies and attack from above, making them harder to hit.
• Armored dragons: With their tough scales and high HP, armored dragons are built to withstand lots of damage.

When fighting dragons, it’s important to consider their strengths and weaknesses. For example, a fire-breathing dragon may be vulnerable to ice-based attacks, while flying dragons may be easier to hit with ranged weapons.

Adapting to Enemy Tactics

Adapting to enemy tactics is crucial for a successful Dragon Hunter. Here are a few examples:

• Change your weapon type depending on the dragon’s characteristics: Use ranged weapons for flying dragons and high-damage weapons for armored dragons.
• Make use of environmental elements: Lure a fire-breathing dragon near water or lure an armored dragon to an area filled with traps.

Comparing two types of dragons, we can see their strengths and weaknesses:

Remember to adapt your strategies based on the type of dragon and the environment to maximize your chances of victory in the Dragon Hunter world.

Character Customization

Cosmetics and Skins

Character customization is an important aspect of Dragon Hunter. Players can enhance their characters’ appearances using cosmetics. Some examples include:

• Decorative armor
• Unique weapon skins
• Stylish outfits

Different skins add visual variety to your character and companions. For example, you might come across dragon-themed armor or a sleek weapon design.

Developing Attributes

To emphasize your character’s unique abilities, you can develop their attributes. This process involves:

• Leveling up skills
• Unlocking special abilities
• Gaining attribute points

An important aspect of character growth is balancing your character’s attributes. For example, you may want to focus on increasing their attack or defense. Consider the following comparison table:

Choose the best approach to suit your gameplay style and preferences. Remember, your character’s growth in Dragon Hunter relies on your choices and how you develop them through cosmetics, skins, and attributes.

Specializations and Builds

Core and Elite Specializations

Dragon Hunter has core and elite specializations, offering unique abilities depending on your playstyle. For example, elite specializations provide greater flexibility and advanced skills, while core specializations focus on core attributes and basic abilities.

• Core specializations:
  • Focus on attributes like strength, agility, and intelligence
  • Offer fundamental abilities
• Elite specializations:
  • Grant advanced skills, such as magic DPS and class synergy
  • Allow for more customization

Your choice of specialization determines the pets and gild system available to your Dragon Hunter. Your choice depends on your preferred playstyle.

Pets

Dragon Hunters can tame and train a variety of pets, granting them unique abilities and enhancing their gameplay.

Examples of pets:

• Fire Dragon: Offers high damage with fire-based abilities
• Ice Dragon: Provides crowd control and freezing abilities

Gild

The gild feature allows Dragon Hunters to join forces with other players, granting class synergy and skill-sharing. Gilds are typically led by directors who provide guidance and support for their members.

Class Synergy

By collaborating with other classes, Dragon Hunters gain access to additional abilities and perks, improving their effectiveness in battles.

Magic DPS combinations:

Attributes play a critical role in enhancing the Dragon Hunter performance. Some popular attributes include strength, agility, endurance, and intelligence. Boost your attributes through gear and training.

• Strength: Increases physical damage
• Agility: Improves movement speed and dodging capabilities

Gameplay Modes and Strategies

PvE

PvE, or Player versus Environment, is a mode where players work together to complete story-driven missions and explore the open world. Some key features of PvE include:

• Core: The main storyline and world exploration
• Open World: Shared maps with dynamic events and world bosses

In PvE, it’s crucial to adapt your build and skills to the individual challenges. For example, when exploring the open world, you might want a mobility-focused build to travel quickly.

WvW

World versus World (WvW) is a large-scale PvP mode where players from different servers engage in battles for territory control. Key aspects of WvW include:

• Zerg: Large groups of players moving together to attack or defend objectives
• Open World: Maps with various structures to capture and defend

In WvW, teamwork and communication are essential. Joining a zerg provides strength in numbers and increases your chances of success.

PvP

Player versus Player (PvP) is a competitive gameplay mode where players battle against each other in smaller, more balanced environments. PvP consists of:

• Core: Skill-based matches with close-quarters combat
• Structured: Matches with specific objectives and rulesets

PvP requires a deep understanding of your profession and knowing when to engage or disengage from the enemy. For example, a player might excel in close-quarters combat but struggle against ranged opponents.

Fractals

Fractals are challenging, repeatable instances with varying difficulty levels. Key features of Fractals include:

• Scaling: Higher difficulties provide greater rewards but require increased coordination and skill
• Unique Mechanics: Each fractal contains different obstacles and challenges

In Fractals, mastering the unique mechanics of each instance is crucial for success. Team composition and coordinated strategies are necessary to overcome these challenges.

Additional Features

Companions and Pets

In Dragon Hunter, players can make use of different companions to assist them in their journey:

• Priest: A supportive character that focuses on healing and buffs
• Ranger: A ranged attacker with strong damage

Examples of pets include:

• Fire-breathing dragons
• Protective griffins

Titles

Players can earn various titles by accomplishing certain tasks:

• Novice Dragon Hunter: Complete first mission
• Master Tamer: Tame 10 unique pets

Here’s a comparison table of the Priest and Ranger companions:

By choosing the right companions, pets, and earning titles in Dragon Hunter, players can enhance their gaming experience and enjoy different playstyles. Remember to keep your companions and pets well-equipped to maximize their potential!

Dragon Hunter in 2022

Changes and Updates

In 2022, the RPG world saw some significant changes in Dragon Hunter. With a new expansion, players were introduced to an updated hero class, the squishy. Examples of improvements include:

• Enhanced abilities for the squishy class
• Revised gameplay mechanics

Players can now enjoy a more balanced gaming experience.

Future Outlook

The future outlook of Dragon Hunter is promising, as developers continue to refine gameplay and create exciting features for RPG fans. Some things to expect include:

• New hero classes
• Additional game maps

Comparing the previous version of Dragon Hunter to the 2022 updates, we can see:

Pros of the 2022 updates:

• More engaging gameplay
• Higher replay value

Cons of the 2022 updates:

• Requires learning new strategies
• May be challenging for novice players

Overall, the Dragon Hunter 2022 updates have significantly improved the game, bringing fresh features to keep players engaged and excited for the future.

Reader Emails

Over the years, our website, whatsthatbug.com has received hundreds of letters and some interesting images asking us about these insects. Scroll down to have a look at some of them.

Letter 1 – Dragon Moth is actually Spotted Apatelodes

moth picture
I listen to a radio show late at night and one of the listeners sent these pics of a moth they saw in their back yard. She said she calls it her "dragon moth"… and in all fairness it DOES kind of resemble one! They live in Shenendoah Valley, VA. I see a couple of moths that look similar… but am unsure… is this a type of Sphinx moth?

As much as we like and would endorse the name Dragon Moth for the Spotted Apatelodes, we are in no position to apply for a name change. Spotted Apatelodes isn’t quite as descriptive as Dragon Moth. Though it resembles a Sphinx Moth, the Spotted Apatelodes, Apatelodes torrefacta, is actually one of the Silkworm Moths in the family Bombycidae.

Letter 2 – Dragonhunter

What is it?
Location: Maine
January 23, 2011 7:13 pm
A friend took this photo and we can not identify it…can you help?
Signature: Not sure

Dear Not sure,
Luckily for us, there was a field on our submission form for a location, or we might have gotten no useful information from your email.  Did your friend find this creature in the kitchen? or during one of the snowstorms that is currently blanketing much of the northeast? or as we suspect, in a lake last summer?  This is a Dragonhunter Naiad, the larva of a Dragonfly.  You may compare your image to this posting of a photo of a larval Dragonhunter, Hagenius brevistylus, on BugGuide.  The Dragonhunter has one of the most distinctive looking Naiads, the name given to all aquatic larvae, of all the North American Dragonflies.  According to the Insects of West Virginia website:  “Dragonhunters often capture dragonflies nearly their own size” which explains the common name Dragonhunter.  According to a University of Michigan web page:  “Hagenius brevistylus is most certainly Michigan’s most distinctively shaped odonate larva (Fig. 1). The very flat abdomen is broad, nearly circular in outline, bearing dark mid-dorsal hooks and sharp lateral angles on abdominal segments 2-9. This shape is shared by other gomphid genera in other parts of the world and appears related to the habit of burrowing in leafy trash.”  Over time, the appearance of the larvae may have evolved to mimic dead leaves like elm tree leaves ensuring that predators might overlook the tasty larvae, which then contributes to the survival of the species.

Ed. Note:  August 10, 2014:  This is a ventral view, and it can be compared to this image on BugGuide.

Letter 3 – Dragonhunter Exuvia

Subject: North Frontenac Park in Ontario Canada
Location: Ontario Canada
August 10, 2014 10:46 am
Hello,
I was hoping you could identify this bug for me.
I’ve tried finding it online myself and havent seen anything like it except for bed bugs which are tiny and this thing was quite large. 2 inches? Maybe.
Signature: T.Jones

Dear T. Jones,
We fully understand your confusion that this insect resembles an enormous Bed Bug, and we imagine that must have given you the creeps.  This appears to be the exuvia of a Dragonhunter naiad, Hagenius brevistylus, the shed exoskeleton of a species of Dragonfly, and this is a ventral view which you may compare to this image on BugGuide.

Letter 4 – Dragon Hunter Naiad

Prehistoric leaf bug?
Location: central Wisconsin
September 21, 2011 10:09 pm
This year for school, we are doing an insect project, where you have to find 25 bugs and give its common name, genus, and species. We found this bug in a lake in Wisconsin. I can’t seem to find the name of it. Please help! It’s due Monday!
Signature: From Anna

Hi Anna,
Normally we refrain from answering homework assignment requests that require the student do research.  We will not provide you with all the information you requested, but we will tell you the order is Odonata and that this is the aquatic nymph of a species of Dragonfly.  Armed with that information, you should be able to research the species since this naiad is so distinctive looking.
In the event our readership is curious, this is the naiad of a Dragon Hunter, Hagenius brevistylus, and additional information is available on BugGuide.

Thank you so much! My partner and I really appreciate it. We spend hours trying to find it. I don’t think anyone else will have this bug! 🙂

Letter 5 – Dragonhunter Exuvia

Dragonhunter Exuvia?
Location: Rangeley Lake, Rangeley, Maine USA
January 24, 2011 8:19 am
I found this exuvia on a dock at Rangeley Lake in Rangeley Maine USA. Does it belong to the Dragonhunter Dragonfly nymph? I look forward to solving this mystery. My husband was holding it in the palm of his hand when I took the picture. It was about two inches long. Can you tell us what kind of bug it is? Thank you.  Thank you!
Signature: Cheryl Mitchell

Hi Cheryl,
Apparently you emailed your photos to at least one friend who submitted an identification request a day earlier and signed the request “Not sure”, beating you to both a response and a posting to our site. Since you submitted two images, and “Not sure” only submitted one photo, we can create a new posting and include your second image which provides a nice sense of scale.  We gave a slightly snotty response during our response to “Not sure” due to the lack of relevant information that was provided.  You are correct that this is a Dragonhunter exuvia.  We did not realize that this was the exuvia, a name given to the cast off exoskeleton that remains when an insect molts during metamorphosis.  Thank you for providing that clarification.

Thank you very much for your prompt response. Yes, please create a new posting to include both of the images I submitted of the Dragonhunter exuvia.
Sincerely,
Cheryl Mitchell

Ed. Note:  August 10, 2014:  This is a ventral view, and it can be compared to this image on BugGuide.

Letter 6 – Dragonhunter Larva

Unknown bug in CT
May 30, 2010
Dont know much about this bug, but a friend took a pic of it in southern CT
Curious?
Conneticut

Dear Curious,
In a general sense, this is the aquatic larva of a Dragonfly, known as a naiad.  In an attempt to be more specific, we are nearly certain it is the larva of a Dragonhunter, Hagenius brevistylus.  You can compare your image to photos posted to BugGuide.

Letter 7 – Dragonhunter Naiad

resembles “giant water bug” in size but not appearance
Dear BugMan-
I found this bug in a stream in New Hampshire. The body was thin, flat and flexible, and it acted very passively in my hand — I had actually mistaken it for a piece of tree bark until it slowly extended its legs. The eyes are on the sides of the head. I apologize for the poor image quality (I was without my camera and had to resort to a cellphone — no macro setting); I am a big fan of your site and wanted to be able to send you something better… but I’ve looked everywhere online and can’t find any bugs that look like this one! What could this large aquatic insect be?
Ian

Hi Ian,
This is the aquatic nymph, known as a Naiad, of a species of Dragonfly known as the Dragonhunter, Hagenius brevistylus. It is very distinctive in appearance. We have only one prior submission of this species on our site.

Letter 8 – Dragonhunter Naiad

Large Aquatic Bug (?) Found in the Ozarks, Does NOT Appear to be a Toe Biter
July 18, 2009
The picture that I have included is horrible, but it was gone so quickly we couldn’t snap a good picture, however, the outline is there. It was a large aquatic insect about 2 to 2 1/2 inches in diameter. Round body shape. Posterior is actually scalloped, blurred in picture. There small head with two short stubby protrusions. From what we could tell there were two very long arms that It could grab and swim with. (It held on to the tip of my fishing pole with these two arms. In the picture they are seen at it’s sides) It was a light brown color with some slight pattern on it’s back. It was found in about 3 foot of water in a slow moving section of a creek near Branson, Missouri. It was very round and from what I can tell from giant water bugs, they are much m ore oval or elliptical in shape. Hope this is helpful, I am very interested in knowing what this neat little guy is!
Thank you, Jamie
Ozarks Missouri, Bull Creek, arm of Table Rock Lake

Dear Jamie,
Though your photo is sorely lacking in the type of details that generally make an identification possible, the outline of the Naiad of the Dragonhunter, Hagenius brevistylus, a type of Dragonfly, is quite distinctive.  We feel confident that you have seen a Dragonhunter Naiad and you can see a detailed photo on BugGuide.

Letter 9 – Dragonhunter Naiad

What is this water bug?
Location: Traverse City, MI in a small, inland lake
June 17, 2011 1:47 pm
My son and I spotted this bug swimming in a small, inland lake, in Traverse City, Michigan. It was nearly 2 inches long. When it swam, it tucked its legs along its side and seemed to suck in water and jet it out its back side to propel itself through the water. Any ideas?
Signature: Mat Lardman

Hi Mat,
It is a generally accepted tradition to call aquatic larvae of flying insects by the name Naiads.  This is a Dragonfly Naiad, and more specifically, it is the naiad of a Dragonhunter, Hagenius brevistylus, a large Dragonfly that often preys upon other Dragonflies.  Here is a photo from BugGuide to compare.  Dragonhunter Naiads are stealth hunters that lie unnoticed among fallen leaves at the bottom of stillwater ponds.

Many thanks for your response. My kids will get a kick out of this. My 10 year old is in Bug Anatomy for his School’s Science Olympiad Team. I told him I though it was the early stage of a Dragon Fly, He thought it was a beetleJ Thanks again.
Mat

Letter 10 – Dragonhunter Naiad

Subject: Found odd bug in youth
Location: Shallow water in a lake
March 17, 2014 8:44 am
When I was younger I found an odd aquatic insect when I went to a local camp. I caught it and put it into a bucket of sand and water. Later It was preserved as part of an insect collection I used for 4-H under the most-likely false name “Water Cockroach”. I recently discovered my old insect collection when moving and noticed the insect once more. I tried looking it up based on what little I could describe it by. It appears to be a nymph, but of what I’m completely uncertain. It would be great if I could learn what it was if only to rectify it’s label after all these years.
Additional description of the insect portrays the insect to be roughly the size of a quarter, brad and flat, about as thick as one. Mud colored, most likely for camouflage. Adept at burrowing under the mud/sand as it attempted to do so when confined in the bucket (though it was a 5 gallon bucket).
I do so apologize for the terrible resolution of the pictures but I did not have a proper image capturing device at the time and was forced to use my webcam.
Signature: Spars with Mantids

Dear Spars with Mantids,
The larval nymphs of many flying insects live in water, and they are collectively known as Naiads.  These include Mayflies, Stoneflies, Damselflies and Dragonflies.  This is a Dragonfly Naiad, more specifically, the Naiad of a Dragonhunter, Hagenius brevistylus.  Dragonhunter Naiads are very well camouflaged among fallen leaves at the bottom of ponds.

Thank you ever so much for you kind help. I’m glad to finally be able to put a name to this odd little guy after all these years.
Sincerely,
Spars with Mantids

Letter 11 – Dragonhunter Naiad

Subject: What’s this bug?!
Location: Minden Ontario
May 16, 2014 10:08 am
Found this gem in the water. Tried to google around. Could use your help to identify this bug please! 🙂
Signature: Thanks from cottage country

This is the naiad or aquatic nymph of a Dragonfly known as a Dragonhunter, .  The Dragonhunter naiad resembles a dead leaf on the bottom of a pond, affording some degree of camouflage protection.

Letter 12 – Dragonhunter Naiad

Subject: Similar to a Belostomatidae Abedus?
Location: Cedar Lake in Oscoda, MI
May 9, 2016 7:56 am
My friend found this in his minnow trap yesterday in Cedar Lake in Oscoda MI. I’ve been researching to learn exactly what it is but am still uncertain. At present, my best guess is a Giant Water Bug (Belostomatidae, genus Abedus) nymph. The uncertainty for me comes from the apparent lack of wings, serrated edges of the body, apparent lack of a protruding mouth and front legs which seem much more slender than other Belostomatidae and 2 claws on the front legs rather than a single point.
Do you know what tour bug is?
Signature: Scott

Dear Scott,
This is an aquatic nymph, but it is not a Giant Water Bug.  Rather, it is a Dragonfly Naiad, and we believe it is a Dragonhunter Naiad, Hagenius brevistylus.  Dragonhunter Naiads are well camouflaged among fallen leaves at the bottom of ponds and slow moving streams where they are generally found prowling for prey.

Letter 13 – Dragonhunter Naiad

Subject: Bug ID in MA after swimming
Location: MA
May 28, 2016 2:13 pm
Could you help us identify this bug.
It was on swimming suit after being in an MA lake
Thanks
Signature: Steve

Dear Steve,
This is a Naiad, the aquatic nymph of a flying insect, more specifically, it is a Dragonfly known as the Dragon Hunter, Hagenius brevistylus.

Many Thanks Daniel
That’s fantastic. I had no idea the dragonflies came from nymphs like this
Much appreciated
Steve

Letter 14 – Dragonhunter Naiad

Subject: Bug ID please
Location: Maine
July 4, 2017 2:59 pm
This beetle was near a pond here in Maine.
The little white lines are actually on the back of the beetle. It was in a flower garden Any ID and info please.
Signature: Debi G.

Dear Debi,
This Dragonfly Naiad appears to be a species known as the Dragonhunter.  We cannot tell from your image if this is actually a Dragonhunter Naiad or if it is the cast off exoskeleton or exuvia of a Dragonhunter.  Immature Dragonflies are aquatic nymphs known as naiads, and that is why the pond is significant.  Once they are ready to metamorphose into adults, the naiad leaves the water and molts for the final time, leaving behind the exuvia and flying off as a winged adult.

Thank you for your info. This was an actual bug walking, about 2-3inches in length. I had just never seen this exact type before. Looked odd with the bumps on the back and the little white lines. Thanks again for the reply.

Letter 15 – Dragonhunter Naiad

Subject:  Very strange bug
Geographic location of the bug:  Wakulla River, Florida
Date: 06/28/2018
Time: 12:37 AM EDT
Your letter to the bugman:  I found this bug dead on the side of a river while kayaking. It was approximately 3 inches in length give take half an inch. Im not sure if it is some kind or beetle or spider missing legs. Any ideas?
How you want your letter signed:  Trent Smith

Dear Trent,
This looks like a Dragonhunter Naiad, the larva of the Dragonfly, Hagenius brevistylus.  We just received a drawing to identify and we believe it is also a Dragonhunter naiad.

Letter 16 – Dragonhunter Naiad from Canada

Subject: Found by the side of a Canadian Lake
Location: Lake Eduard, Quebec
July 31, 2017 2:23 pm
Hi
If you’ve got time my 4 year old son Leo would love to know what this bug is.
It is about 3cm long and he found it on the rocks by the side of the lake shore.
Signature: Leo Taylor

Dear Leo,
This is a Dragonhunter naiad, the aquatic nymph of the dragonfly species Hagenius brevistylus. 

Letter 17 – Drawing of a Dragonhunter Naiad, we believe

Subject:  Wild Lookin Turtle Bug
Geographic location of the bug:  Upstate NY
Date: 07/03/2018
Time: 06:22 PM EDT
Your letter to the bugman:  Dear Bugman,
Earlier this week (6/29) came across a bug that I have never seen before, and neither has anyone else that I have talked to!
I was on a beach by a lake in the Adirondacks, and in the sand I saw what I believed to be a very small turtle shell. Upon picking it up, I realized that it was not a turtle, but a large insect! It was about 1.5 inches long, the front 1/3 of the insect looked like a large ant or beetle , and the rear 2/3 looked exactly like the shell of a small turtle.
I did not have a camera or phone with me so I do not have a picture, and I have been unable to find anything close online.  I know that you have said that it is unlikely that you can ID the bug without a picture, but I just had to ask.  I attached a drawing if that is of any help.
Any ideas you have would be great, thanks!
How you want your letter signed:  Chris

Dear Chris,
At first we thought your drawing resembled a Spider, sans a pair of legs, but your excellent written description, including finding it on the shore, leads us to believe this is a Dragonhunter naiad, the aquatic larva of the Dragonfly Hagenius brevistylus.  It is thought that its shape causes it to look like a submerged leaf, helping it to capture prey.

Thanks for the quick response and great identification, that is exactly what I saw! I am super impressed with both your insect knowledge and amazing “customer service”!

Letter 18 – Exuvia of a Dragonhunter

Found this down by the River
June 14, 2010
Would love to know what this is, found by a river in New Brunswick Canada. It’s hard to tell the size from a photo but it’s much bigger than a quarter. It was found dead and I moved it by it’s leg to take a picture.
To Sara
New Brunswick Canada

Hi Sara,
This is the exuvia or cast off larval skin of a Dragonfly known as the Dragonhunter, Hagenius brevistylus.  The larvae of Dragonflies are aquatic.  When they are ready to metamorphose into adults, they crawl onto land and split their exoskeleton for the final time.  The winged adult emerges, and after its wings have dried and hardened, it will fly away.  We will be postdating your letter so that it goes live later in the week so that our site can maintain daily updates while we are out of the office.

Letter 19 – Seaside Dragonlet

Unknown Dragonfly
Found this little guy in a saline marsh on a little island off of south Louisiana. Had some trouble getting her in focus. Thanks,
David McWhorter
Field Biologist, Coastal Estuary Services, LLC.
Houma, LA

Hi David,
We are quite excited to have, we hope, properly identified your dragonfly. We believe this to be a female Gray-Waisted Skimmer, Cannaphila insularis, an apparent match to an image on BugGuide.

Correction: Sat, Feb 21, 2009 at 10:54 AM
Good morning,
If I may, i’d rather think of a darkening female of Seaside Dragonlet (Erythrodiplax berenice), which is one of the only dragonfly species which larva can live in truly saline waters.
Third pics from bottom of this website
http://www.greglasley.net/seasidedrag.html
I hope it helps,
Renaud, Switzerland

Letter 20 – Dragonfly Naiad Exuvia from Singapore

Strange bug

Strange bug
Location: Singapore
November 11, 2010 11:29 pm
Dear Mr Bug Man,
I have sent in a previous request but was not sure if it went through. I apologize if this is a duplicate. I live in the tropical island of Singapore. I was strolling around the nature reserve photographing flowers and came across this bug. I didn’t think much about it until I saw it’s head which was mammal like. I thought it was a cicada of sorts but the head really threw me off. Would appreciate if you could help me identify this insect.
Thanks
Signature: Wei

Hi Wei,
We are really running late for work, and we want to post your letter without doing any research except to link to a page with a photo of an adult Peanut Headed Bug, Fulgora laternaria, because we cannot imagine that this is anything else.  We will research this later.  In the meantime, perhaps one of our readers will have some contribution.

Ed. Note: Thanks to our readership who looked at this more closely than we did when we posted it.  Several readers pointed out that this is the exuvia of a Dragonfly Naiad.

Hi Daniel,
Thanks for the reply especially with your busy schedule. I did go through a rather extensive search through the web and found nothing that even closely resembling this insect. I did come across the peanut headed bug but the detailed description does not fit too closely. As per the close up photos I sent to you it almost seems like the head has some sort of jaw almost like a cow skull. Perhaps it is something only found in this region. Am really curious.

Letter 21 – Mating Variegated Meadowhawks

Mating dragonflies
September 10, 2009
I saw these dragonflies in my garden a few days ago (in September). I thought it was interesting that they were able to fly while coupled together. Fortunately they landed on a lovely pink dahlia and allowed me to take some close-ups of them.
I thought these would be a good addition for your bug love category, but identification would be great too!
Thanks
Brandon A
San Jose, CA

Dear Brandon,
We haven’t the time to properly identify you beautiful mating Dragonflies at the moment, though we believe they are Skimmers in the family Libellulidae.  Hopefully, we can do a proper ID later, or perhaps a reader will provide us with an answer.

Update:
Thanks so much to Karl who sent in a comment identifying these Variegated Meadowhawks, Sympetrum corruptum.  There are numerous images on BugGuide.