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Photo#88405
Injured Russet-tipped Clubtail - Stylurus plagiatus - male

Injured Russet-tipped Clubtail - Stylurus plagiatus - Male
Palmyra Cove Nature Park, Burlington County, New Jersey, USA
August 26, 2006
This teneral male was knocked off its perch at a critical point during emergence and suffered permanent deformity to its wings and abdomen. Many dragonflies are injured by sudden rainstorms, but a big problem along many rivers (like the Delaware) is the damage caused by boat wakes. Many riverine dragonflies have evolved to emerge on the first suitable object they encounter upon leaving the water, which in many cases is a low log or rock only a few feet from the water. If they get drenched or knocked over while still soft, they are doomed.

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Injured Russet-tipped Clubtail - Stylurus plagiatus - male Injured Russet-tipped Clubtail - Stylurus plagiatus - male

Post-birth defect
Interesting story, Cliff.

 
It's not a defect
It's like you getting hit by a truck, lots of damage but it could hardly be called a post-birth defect.

 
Sorry
Tony

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