Alive but probably not healthy. Behind the damselfly's head and between its large compound eyes is a small dark brown, circular structure, which I understand is the anterior thoracic spiracle. This provides oxygen to the damselfly’s wing muscles and brain and has a flap-type valve which opens and closes as necessary. This feature is usually hidden from view behind the head/eye structure, but is visible in the first image. A close look at the spiracle shows its valve to be closed and a grub like parasite stretched across it, attached to the damselfly.
Describe how you intend to use these images and/or audio files and your request will be sent to the author for consideration.
Your request has been successfully submitted to the author for consideration.
810,038 sightings of 22,032 species from 13,782 members CCA 3.0 | privacy
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of this land and acknowledge their continuing connection to their culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present.