Orthetrum coerulescens anceps (Schneider) as a prey of larval Mantis religiosa (L.) (Anisoptera: Libellulidae; Dictyoptera: Mantodea)

In the framework of the Third Odonatological Symposium of the Alps-Adriatic Regional Community we have visited, on 23rd July 1998, the canyon of the Krupa River near Zadar, Croatia. It was a sunny but windy day, with the temperatures up to 30°C. At about noon we have spotted in the grassland close to the river a larval M. religiosa, hanging on a Carex and holding an adult O. coerulescens anceps, devouring its head. It seems, this was an incidental prey, conditioned by the strong wind which prevented the dragonfly to fly.