Dragonfly Exuviae I
(shell of a dragonfly)

Dragonfly exuvia in the Jordanelle Dam wetlands. © Carol Davis,
8-3-2008
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I found this dragonfly shell (exuvia) at the Jordanelle wetlands in
Wasatch
County, UT. It was the first one I had seen. They shed
their "skins"
numerous times
during their lifetime, but this final time they must come out of the
water and attach
themselves to a reed until their metamorphosis
is complete. I imagine it's a very vulnerable
time for them. You can see the exit hole and the breathing
tubes. © Carol Davis, 7-29-07
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