Dragonflies are amazing creatures. They spend most of their lives underwater as nymphs. When the time is right, they crawl out of the water and begin an incredible transformation. They burst out of their exoskeletons and in a short period of time their bodies lengthen and their wings unfurl. Suddenly they are breathing air and can fly. Six years ago I was able to document this entire process in a posting called Metamorphosis of a dragonfly, which you may want to check out.
If you wander along the edge of a pond, you may spot some of the discarded exoskeletons, often referred to as exuviae—they look sort of like desiccated bugs. Earlier this month during a visit to Green Spring Gardens, I was able to capture this image of a Eastern Amberwing dragonfly (Perithemis tenera) perched alongside an exuvia. I am not certain that the exoskeleton is from the same species as the dragonfly, but I suspect that it is.
Although it is hard to see very many details of the exuvia, you can’t help but notice how much smaller it is than the adult dragonfly and how the shape of the body is different. It you look closely, you can see the shape of little wing pads that eventually turn into wings. The only body parts that appear to remain the same are the legs.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Fascinating. Thank you for sharing, Mike.
That’s a very cool photo.
Wonderful shot!
Cool!
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Nice sort of before & after Image Mike! At my old home we had a pond and saw quite a few dragonflies emerging from the exuvia. It took a while for their wings to harden and be able to fly well. Watching their wobbly first flights were fun to see!
Amazing photo catch of adult & child! I’ve never seen such before with dragonflies. I’m impressed!
It’s definitely an adult, though I am not sure that the exoskeleton counts as being a “child,” that it is certainly part of a younger version of the dragonfly. 🙂
Very cool! The change is amazing, but seeing it documented like that really brings it home!
Thanks. I was really fortunate to be able to see the process in person. Fortunately I remembered to take some photos while I watched in awe.
It’s a wonder of nature that insects complete complete metamorphosis as they do. Such an amazing change in body structure and, of course, appearance. I think you are probably correct about the exuvia belonging to the amberwing as it appears to be very fresh so possibly just out and gathering its strength. NIce shot, Mike.
Thanks, Steve. I think we both pay attention when we are out with our cameras and see things that others might miss.