This dragonfly perched on vegetation in Nam Sang Wai wetlands is a green skimmer (orthetrum sabina). Green skimmers can be found in Hong Kong all year round in slow-flowing or still water habitats.

This individual was looking a little worse for wear, with a wing tear and stains on its wings and abdomen, possibly from hunting prey. Dragonflies are carnivorous predators within the insect world, and smaller insects such as mosquitoes, flies, bees, small butterflies and even other dragonflies can form part of their diet. The green skimmer is a particularly fearsome species that usually hunts damselflies and other dragonflies, including its own kind.

Canon PowerShot SX60 HS

Contrast and saturation adjustment