The process of moulting during final emergence of the dragonfly Pantala flavescens (Fabricius) (Anisoptera: Libellulidae)

The chain of events occurring during emergence in P. flavescens is described in detail. The moulting process is divided into 3 stages. The larva climbs out of the water a few hours after sunset. If disturbed while climbing, it exhibits thanatosis i.e. death feigning and crab-like side-ways crawling. It stops at a suitable vertical emergent support. Manipulation from vertical to horizontal of this support stops commencement of ecdysis. — Stage I starts from the moment the larva finds a suitable site for moulting. Soon, it starts shuddering, quivering and shaking its body in a synchronized pattern. The imago inside the exuviae exerts pressure on the thoracic tergites until the cuticle splits. This stage varies from 8 to 20 min and occupies 16% of the moulting period. — During stage II, the head and thorax of the imago emerge out of the split thoracic cuticle. The imago exhibits an antero-posterior humping movement and the body hangs out downwards with folded legs. The half suspended, upturned imago starts ‘breathing’ heavily. Unfolding of the legs and movements of the packed wings takes place in a characteristic manner. The imago turns upwards, grips the head of the exuviae and jerks out the remaining terminal portion of the abdomen from the exuviae. This stage takes 18 to 35 min and occupies 31% of the moulting time. Pigmentation of the head region is completed during this stage. — In stage III, the imago is released from the exuviae, it starts hardening its cuticle and extending the wings. The imago moves a few inches above the exuviae. The abdomen is pale green and curved upwards. The wings expand but are opaque. Simultaneously, pigmentation of the body starts around the thoracic region and the terminal tip of the abdomen. Within 10-14 min the whole body of the imago develops a species-specific teneral pattern of colouration. Meanwhile, the expanding wings unfold and separate out and the teneral adult is ready for flight. This stage takes 40-55 min and occupies 53% of the total moulting period. Observations on incomplete metamorphosis indicate that gravitational force is responsible for uniform wing expansion.