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Story: Insects – overview

Giant dragonfly

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Giant dragonfly

New Zealand’s largest dragonfly, Uropetala carovei, is often seen in summer near bush streams and swamps. Dragonflies are strong flyers and hunt smaller flying insects for food.

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Department of Conservation

Reference: 10051869

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How to cite this page

George Gibbs, Insects – overview – Unique species, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/10047/giant-dragonfly (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by George Gibbs, published 1 March 2009.