Next,thenymphpullsitslipbacktoitsjaws.Thejawsarelinedwithteeth.Theycutthepreyintopieces.Thenympheatsand grows.
![](/nationalgeographic/pioneer_september_october_2020/catching_prey_and_a_final_change_and_from_larva_to_adult/836516/.Nymph_Eating___Draft_1.mp4.480_0_1.jpg)
Anymphshootsoutitslowerliptocatch prey.
![](/nationalgeographic/pioneer_september_october_2020/catching_prey_and_a_final_change_and_from_larva_to_adult/836500/bug_fish.480_0_1.jpg)
Oncecaught,thepreyisquickly eaten.
![](/nationalgeographic/pioneer_september_october_2020/catching_prey_and_a_final_change_and_from_larva_to_adult/836501/Darner_dragonfly_nymph_Aeshnidae_47_2.128_0_1.png)
Whenthenymphisreadytobeanadult,itmoltsonelasttime.Itclimbsoutofthewater.Itsoldskinpeelsaway.Itnowhaswingsto fly!
FromLarvatoAdult
Takeacloserlookatthejourneyofa dragonfly:
![](/nationalgeographic/pioneer_september_october_2020/catching_prey_and_a_final_change_and_from_larva_to_adult/836504/Dragonfly_Lifecycle_200320.800_0_1.png)
New Nymph
Thelarvaleavesitsegg.Itgoesintothewaterasa nymph.
InstarStages
Thenymphmoltsmanytimesasit grows.
Final Molt
Thenymphleavesthewaterasitmoltsonelast time.
Adult Dragonfly
Theadultwaitsforitsnewskinto harden.
Readyfor Flight
Theadultdragonflyopensitswingsinthesunlight.Thenittakesitsfirst flight.
![](/nationalgeographic/pioneer_september_october_2020/catching_prey_and_a_final_change_and_from_larva_to_adult/980375/cloudinary_2_jane_20goodall_20id_20chimps.960_0_1.jpg)