Intra‐guild predation between early larval instars of two co‐existing dragonflies, Sympetrum fonscolombii and Trithemis kirbyi , was investigated with respect to temporal advantage and growth. Three situations were simulated experimentally: (1) Sympetrum fonscolombii began development 11 days before T. kirbyi . (2) Trithemis kirbyi began development 11 days before S. fonscolombii . (3) Both species began on the same day.