Some of the photos in recent postings have shown that damselflies are incredibly flexible. Normally they demonstrate this flexibility when mating with a partner.
Earlier this week I spotted this damselfly, which I believe is a male Fragile Forktail (Ischnura posita), doing a solo gymnastics exhibition. The acrobatic damselfly repeatedly would swing its body backwards (second photo) and them end up with the tip of his abdomen between his legs (first photo). What was he doing?
According to my local dragonfly/damselfly expert Walter Sanford, damselflies are quite fastidious and will often spend time grooming themselves. That is what appears to be happening in these photos.
Who knew? It is not what I would have guessed—sometimes truth is stranger than fiction. 🙂
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
This is astounding, Michael! Incredible damselfly postures, and exquisite photos. I studied them both for quite awhile, intrigued by the posture, the delicate wings, the eyes, and the sheer beauty. I love that you love damselflies and dragonflies, and when summer hits I am so fortunate to learn and see more of them from you. Thanks so much.
Thanks so much, Jet, for your kind words. I really love observing and photographing these little creatures. The more I study them the more I am amazed and fascinated by their beauty and their behavior.
Hmmm, I’m trying to touch my toes…
As long as you can still tie your shoes, you’re ok, Dan. 🙂
Once again, reading your blog has been an education. I had no idea that damselflies groomed themselves. I had never considered the possibility. How fascinating to see the images of this behaviour.
Nice Mike! Fun to see your images!
A damselfly yogini! 😉
Great post, Mike. Always interesting when you observe and capture odd behaviour!