INVERTEBRATE

Most dragonflies seem wary, if not terrified, of human company. Approach one incautiously, particularly from behind, and they typically flit or skim to seclusion. The Southern Hawker (below) could not be more different. Males of this large, vibrantly coloured and boldly striped insect are inquisitive, often coming within inches to investigate you. You are eye-to-eye with an aggressive ambush-predator, but how long will the face-off last?