An empty dragonfly nymph husk, its former occupant now flies.
Dragonflies are creatures of two worlds. Both phases were on display at the Alderfer-Oenslager Wildlife Sanctuary in the Medina County Park System today. Dragonflies hatch from eggs and live the first portion of their lives as nymphs –aquatic creatures– six legs of predator seeking prey underwater. When, in the fullness of time, they reach maturity, dragonflies haul their alien-like bodies out into the air and grab hold of a leaf or twig. Then the nymph body is split open from the inside and the next phase of life begins … life as a creature of flight. In the air dragonflies seek prey and mates. The females dip their abdomens into still waters of ponds and marshes, lay their fertilized eggs there, and the cycle continues. No, that dry husk isn’t a dead insect … it has simply moved on.
The nymph’s body is split open from inside to reveal something like this.
PhotonStopper 
Very nice photos as always James. Very interesting read. I knew nothing about dragon flies until this.
I knew about the dragonfly life cycle but I don’t recall ever seeing an empty nymph casing. The husk was really quite large, a bit scary, and prehistoric looking … aquatic critters are probably glad that guy moved away!
Cool! I can’t seem to get a dragonfly, or damselfly, to stay still long enough for a photo…
Thanks! Dragonflies seem to be creatures of habit. If you watch them they seem to return to a particular spot again and again. You can be ready to snap the picture if you anticipate the return visit.
Very cool!
Beautiful colors!