Dragonflies spend most of their lives as nymphs in the water. When the time is right, they crawl out of the water, break out of their exoskeletons, and turn into the colorful aerial acrobats that I love to watch and to photograph.
Although I have seen photos and videos of this amazing transformation, I have not yet witnessed the entire process in person. However, this past weekend I did spot some newly emerged Common Sanddragon dragonflies (Progomphus obscurus) at Huntley Meadows Park. Nymphs of many dragonfly species attach themselves to vegetation as they undergo their metamorphosis, but Common Sanddragon nymphs merely crawl out of the water onto a sandy area at the edge of a stream.
After I had spotted the dragonflies, I scoured the sandy stream bank and managed to find some cast-off skins (exuviae). Looking at the exuvia in the photo, you can see how the nymph has broken through the shell just behind the eyes and crawled out. The stringy white things on the top of the exuvia are breathing tubes used by the nymphs.
My last image is a visual reminder of how complicated and delicate this transformation can be be. The dragonfly obviously had some kind of a problem in expanding its wings and it is doubtful that it was able to survive for very long.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Really interesting post Mike and great images.
Many years ago, my father showed me and my sister and brother this phenomena at Lake Skaneateles in NY state. It’s puzzling to me that we witnessed the dragonfly’s emergence in July.
Transformers. More than meets the eye. Transformers. Dragonflies in disguise. But seriously, good photos/post, Mike!
You’ve caught the light beautifully in your portraits of the dragonfly with the extended wings as it illuminates the detail perfectly. It is fascinating to see the dragonfly emerging from its casing but how sad that it is a wee crumpled fella.
Wonderful pictures as usual! I saw my first dragonfly here in Dubuque in my garden this afternoon.
I am glad to see that dragonflies are emerging everywhere. Some of them live only specific habitats, but others may appear almost anywhere.
I’m suddenly seeing more dragonflies than I’ve ever seen and they all seem to be sitting on the gravel roads where I work. It’s been very dry so they can’t be getting moisture from the gravel, but I can’t even guess why they’re doing this.
Different dragonflies emerge at different times during the season. Sometimes they will perch on paths and roads in open areas in an effort to warm up, but that is only a guess.