Fynn found this on the dock yesterday. It is the shed skin of a dragonfly nymph. That little critter has been roaming around under the water, snapping up and gobbling down mosquito larvae as fast and often as it can.
Most of the dragonfly's life is lived underwater, in this nymph stage. And don't they truly look like dragons?
Once hatched, the dragonfly has to wait patiently on the edge of the dock while the wings straighten our and harden. But then, it is into the air, to continue to hunt mosquitoes and black flies. And to lay more eggs to start the cycle all over again.
Well spotted, Fynn, and thank you for sharing your Nature Discovery with all of us!
I don't think I recall that they shed skin, though it makes sense. Dragonflies can gorge on all the mosquitoes and dragonflies they want.
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