bild

Common darter dragonfly (Sympetrum striolatum) undergoing metamorphosis. Image 5 of 9. This is fifty eight minutes after the thorax starts to split open, the dragonfly is now completely emerged from the larva. Common darters metamorphose during darkness to reduce the risk of predation. The larva climbs the stem of a nearby plant before the fully formed dragonfly emerges. Dragonflies go through an incomplete metamorphosis where each stage of its development has a similar body form to the adult. For a complete sequence of the final stage of the common darter dragonfly metamorphosis, see images Z300/235-243. (KEYSTONE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/CHR 366 ADRIAN BICKER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY) === ===