Wandering Ringtail (6/16)

Odonata: Lestidae

Austrolestes leda  

At the start of adult life, before it takes to the air for the first time, a Wandering Ringtail Damselfly clings to a stalk while it pumps up its wings.

Also still clinging to the stalk is the final larval-stage skin that the Wandering Ringtail has just extracted itself from.

Having lived entirely in water up until now, the damselfly suddenly becomes a marvelous creature of the air.