Closeup video of a dragonfly eating a smaller rival in east India.

Rakesh Kumar Mohalik, a keen nature observer and a wildlife enthusiast, described the event as "rare." It was captured in Mayurbhanj, Odisha state on January 15.

He also added that: "It is sometimes difficult to understand the peculiar behaviour of insects. It might have been hungry and couldn't find a suitable food when it decided to prey upon its own species.

"There is also a probability that it might be eating its own baby, but nothing could be ascertained regarding this."

The footage shows the insect gradually ingesting another insect of its own species but smaller in size.

Mr. Rakesh Kumar Mohalik, a keen nature observer and a wildlife enthusiast termed it as a 'rare incident'.

He also added that it is sometimes difficult to understand the peculiar behaviour of insects. It might have been hungry and couldn't find a suitable food when it decided to prey upon its own species. This phenomenon is known as "cannibalism"

"There is also a probability that it might be eating its own baby, but nothing could be ascertained regarding this," Added Mohalik.

There are species of living beings that prey on their own babies when hungry.

The video was filmed on 15th January 2020