Kip’s Comments - July 7, 2026

Gruesome Passing

As I was preparing to get out of my canoe this morning movement on the weedy water caught my attention. I watched as a dragonfly emerged from it previous life in the pond to an aggressive aerial lifestyle.

The dragonfly worked to fill its wings for a life in the wild. Back and forth the little dragonfly moved. The process resembled butterflies emerging.

Newly Emerged Dragonfly - Image 1119586

Suddenly all movement stopped for the young dragonfly. I reached out to pick up the dragonfly and found it dead. Its new life lasted only minutes.

Fortunately I had recorded video of the dragonfly moving around. When I watched the video clips the cause of death became apparent. Gnats - many - had attacked the dragonfly that didn’t have a chance. Apparently gnats can kill dragonflies before dragonflies kill gnats on the fly.

Newly Emerged Dragonfly - Image 1119645

Watching the process was educating and gruesome. Personally, I would prefer to have dragonflies reducing the gnat population. The gnats acted when they could and will live for another day. I watched life in the wild and learned.