The Structured Life of a #Dragonfly

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Dragonfly nymph sheds into adulthood

As bloggers, I believe most of us are quite structured in our daily approach to writing; at least we try to be.

The weekly photo challenge asks us to share images that show Structure of something typically overlooked.

This past summer, as I enjoyed a day on the beach where we windsurf, I had the chance to photograph something amazing! In the wooded area less than a foot behind our beach chairs, a dragonfly nymph found a safe place to shed its exoskeleton and enter into adulthood.

“When the nymph is finally ready for adulthood, it crawls out of the water onto a rock or plant stem and molts one last time. It takes up to an hour for the adult to expand its body.” Source: 10 Fascinating Facts About Dragonflies

Even in the strong breeze, this smart little fellow stuck like glue onto the log as he emerged from the structure of his previous skin.

Molting Dragonfly: The Wonders of Nature

 

The breeze blew his now dried exoskeleton further from him.

Dragonfly leaves skin behind

It was amazing to sit and just watch this phenomenon of nature, while he seemed content to dry his wings in the sun.

A new adult emerges

The structures and cycles of nature are truly remarkable!

I wonder if we have the power to shed our old skin with the gracefulness and bravery of a dragonfly?

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43 responses to “The Structured Life of a #Dragonfly”

  1. Wow! Really enjoyed this post.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Fascinating critters, aren’t they? 🙂

      Like

  2. So many (deep) meanings behind this post, Terri. Very thought-provoking!

    Liked by 1 person

  3. This was an amazing capture, Terri, and what a lucky shot.
    The metaphor was brilliant! I wish we could transform ourselves as easily as a dragonfly, with the added gift of getting younger! 😂😉

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Amzing picz & all the stuff👍

    Like

  5. Amazing source of information..

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Wow, I have a whole new respect for dragonflies. I see them at the lake a lot. They really are quite beautiful. Your photos are amazing. Very impressive

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks! They are amazing little creatures.

      Like

  7. Wow! How extraordinary to be able to witness the morphing of the dragonfly and even be able to get such a great closeup shot Terri! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, it was a little surreal

      Liked by 1 person

      1. To say the least! 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  8. What an extraordinary thing to have witness and photographed. Wonderful, Terri.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks, Robbie and thanks for sharing on twitter:)

      Liked by 1 person

  9. Agree with everyone that these are amazing photos, Terri. Just think how it would be if humans had to go through the same process. I believe we’re shedding our skin all the time and, in fact, we’re cleaning it up when we dust or use the vacuum cleaner. I could go on, but I’d end up putting everyone off their breakfast, lunch/dinner, supper.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks, Hugh. We do shed our skin but not so gracefully, I’d say…thank goodness for vacuum cleaners.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Yes but, gulp, what about the days before vacuum cleaners, Terri? I shudder to think. 😱

        Liked by 1 person

  10. A fantastic set of photos Terri! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  11. […] Second Wind Leisure Perspectives The Structured Life of a #Dragonfly […]

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  12. This is an amazing photo story! You were very patient, waiting for the entire episode. And what a result! Love this, just love it!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks, Sharon, I’m so happy it turned out!

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Nice captures 👌🏽

    Liked by 1 person

  14. […] Challenge: Structure WPC:  structure  – sofeebella 💋 Seeing in 4x6s – Travels and Trifles Second Wind Leisure PerspectivesThe Structured Life of a #Dragonfly Words & PicsStructures Anna Louise CreativeStructure -Stone Patterns Organisation – The Chaos […]

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  15. Those photos are incredible, Terri! What a curious sight to watch. I know I shed skin, but definitely not as graceful as a dragonfly! I love the colors, details and structure of his wings. The cycles of life… 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks, Liesbet! It was amazing to watch! That would be something to shed skin, I think there was a sci-fi/horror movie about the subject, LOL!

      Liked by 1 person

  16. That is a remarkable photo Terri! Imagine being in the exact right place to cat that image. It is a great image to use to talk about transformation. Find a contest and enter it so you can win! I have never seen that kind of shot- not even in Nat. Geo!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Oh! Well you are too kind, Michele! I was lucky but I was mesmerized, too. He was very brave sitting there while I took photos–got REALLY close!

      Like

  17. What an amazing process! I have to say that I wouldn’t mind having the ability to shed old, dry, wrinkled skin as easily as the dragonfly 🙂. I love the delicate stained glass wings. Did you wait long enough to see him spread them and fly away?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yes! He hung out as the breeze blew his wings dry. I caught those too, but just didn’t publish them. He was still drying out when we left 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  18. Never new dragonflies did this. Educational and beautiful. Great capture congratulations.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks, Carol! In the right place at the right time!

      Like

  19. Wow… I love dragonflies and didn’t know this! Thanks so much for sharing.. I think I need to do some more reasearch on them! I like the message, too. I think many people do re-emerge and re-invent themselves as they go through life. I know I have! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. They are amazing little critters, thanks, Denise!

      Like

  20. That’s cool! Don’t get to witness that every day. 😃

    Liked by 1 person

  21. That is incredible that you were able to capture that moment, Terri!!
    It’s like what you’d see on the nature shows!!
    XOXO
    Jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks, Jodie, I was incredibly lucky!

      Liked by 1 person

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About Me

I’m a former university adjunct Professor and retired recreation & parks practitioner living in North-Eastern Washington State near the Idaho border. Second Wind Leisure Perspectives is my blog about living a leisure lifestyle, including photography, friends, fitness, and fun.

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