How was your summer? Did you take a vacation and relax or at least take some time off from work?
There are no vacations for dragonflies. It looks like this has been a long, hard summer for the male Great Blue Skimmer (Libellula vibrans) that I spotted earlier this month, judging from the almost shredded condition of his wings. Yet somehow, he is still able to fly and continues to survive
Autumn is almost upon us and the number of dragonflies that I observe is dropping. Before long, only a few hardy species will remain. For now, I take joy in seeing the tattered survivors, whose beauty is undiminished in my eyes.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
That’s remarkable that he could still fly. It must have at least changed the way he uses the wings.
I don’t know how they adapt, but I watched this one fly around and the diminished wing surface did not seem to affect it much. If one of the wings were almost entirely missing, I suspect it would have a greater effect.
Their ability to adapt to such damage is pretty inspiring. I’ve been trying to come up with a logical scenario that would do that, and the most likely seems that he stubbornly held on to a perch in a bunch of rough grass during gusty wind. It has to affect his agility somewhat, but hopefully not too much!
The dragonflies and butterflies are looking a bit battered, but they are somehow managing. “Inspiring” is a good word for their actions.
Thanks Michael, great photo and I reposted your blog as http://leesbird.com/2015/09/20/tattered-survivor-bandaged/
Thanks, Lee. I appreciate the repost.
I see butterflies that look the same way and I’ve wondered if it was bird damage. Maybe it’s just simply old age. My wings aren’t what they used to be either.
I can agree with that. 🙂
I’m amazed that they can fly with wings like that. Whether it’s predators or thorns or exuberant mating, parts start to get worn out. Alas, we humans are not immune to that same kind of wear and tear, as you suggested, Allen.
They look so fragile, I have always been amazed that they get on as well as they do. You photo demonstrates what I’ve long suspected; time has a way of catching up to them.
The life of a dragonfly outside of the water (where it spends a lot of its life) is pretty short and full of dangers. I admire the ones that I see that are scarred and damaged, but surviving just the same.
You might have entitled your post “The Summer of Love.” Notice that most of the blue pruinosity has been scratched off the male’s abdomen. That indicates he has mated MANY times. It’s good to be a dragonfly! 😉
I guess the clock is ticking for these guys and they’re mating as often as they can before their time on this earth ends.
A large dragonfly flew into my office at work and perched on a window. A beautifully colored dragonfly, one of my coworkers was able to trap it and release it outside.
I’m glad to hear it was released safely. I have a special fondness for these colorful little acrobats.
Odonates are likeable, aren’t they? Especially when you get to know ’em!
Truly amazing! What beautiful creatures! Day 5 of Creation Week (i.e., Genesis 1:21 includes all winged creatures, not just birds) is one of my most favorite days, and now I have another winged wonder to add to the reasons why.
Looks like he survived multiple bird attacks, or its just wear and tear. Great shot.. 🙂
Thanks, Ed. That was one of my guesses too–birds or thorns perhaps. Either way the dragonfly is still hanging in there.