Team members at Everything Dinosaur spotted a resting dragonfly near the office pond. The insect had just completed its final moult. It was very early in the morning, we suspect this dragonfly had emerged from the water the previous night. The final moult stage for dragonflies can last several hours. During this time, these magnificent insects are vulnerable to predation from birds.

A Resting Dragonfly

A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented that several exuvia (cast skins) had been discovered on the vegetation surrounding the office pond. This was the first time a resting dragonfly had been spotted this year (2023). The dragonfly could be a Southern Hawker (Aeshna cyanea).

The spokesperson explained that they did not want to get too close.

He added:

“It was wonderful to watch this stunning insect. We did not want to get too close as it had probably only just emerged from its final moult, and we did not want to startle it. Had the dragonfly been alarmed it might have damaged its beautiful wings.”

There was time to take a photograph and a few minutes later the dragonfly was airborne. It was ready to commence its life as an adult.

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