A recent blog post entitled Getting Started features photos of four odonate exuviae collected by Michael Powell during a photowalk along the Potomac River in Fairfax County, Virginia USA.
Before
The first photograph is one of several quick-and-dirty shots I took of one of the exuviae, without removing it from the small plastic tub in which it is stored. As you can see, the specimen appears to be in poor condition. Well, appearance can be deceiving, as they say.
After
The last photograph shows the same exuvia after soaking in a bath of soapy water for at least 24 hours. When the specimen was pliable, it could be re-posed and allowed to dry/harden for another 24 hours.
The exuvia is missing a set wing pads and the abdomen is still dented/twisted. That being said, most people would agree the specimen looks much better. More importantly, it’s easier to see the anatomy of the exuvia.
Taxonomic classification
This individual is a member of the Family Coenagrionidae (Narrow-winged Damselflies) as indicated by its keystone-shaped prementum, shown in Photo No. 1. The next challenge is to identify its genus and species.
Copyright © 2018 Walter Sanford. All rights reserved.
Tags: exuvia, exuviae, Family Coenagrionidae, Narrow-winged Damselflies, Potomac River, Riverbend Park, Zygoptera
walter sanford's photoblog 
March 6, 2018 at 5:51 am |
That’s amazing. I wrongfully assumed that you were stuck with the exuviae in the positions in which you received them.
March 6, 2018 at 11:34 pm |
I must admit I was pleasantly surprised to see how I was able to restore the exuvia to look more like it did when the damselfly emerged.