Many of the dragonflies that I see this late in the summer have wings that are torn and tattered, yet they seem to still fly perfectly well. The dragonflies clearly are survivors—survivors of encounters with predators and thorny vegetation or even of overly energetic mating sessions.
Last Friday I spotted this Great Blue Skimmer (Libellula vibrans) as it perched on some bent stalks of grass. He is not a perfect specimen, but I can’t help but be drawn in by his beautiful speckled blue eyes.
Yes, he still deserves to be called “great.”
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
I’ve noticed the same damaged wings on some of the dragonflies I’ve seen — not to mention the butterflies. It’s rough out there, no question. But it’s also true that they can sustain a lot of damage and still keep on trucking — a lesson for us all!
Love the details of the dragonfly that you captured in your photo