I spotted this male Orthetrum sabina clinging to a leave above the water surface of a drain on 27-1-2007 afternoon.  In fact I would not have notice it if it does make a struggle with its wings to climb up the leave.

This is my second times finding living Orthetrum sabina on this very same drain.  This first drowning dragonfly was suffering  1 pair of wing deformation. And this one was later discovered suffering tumors on its wings.

27-1-2007 After saving this Orthetrum sabina from water, I brought it to my desk.  Though weak, he try to fly by unsuccessfully flipping his 2 pairs of wings.  He managed to hope to a dark corner of my massy desk and remain there.  I leave it in my room to dry up and rest while I was occupied with some other thing.

28-1-2007 The next morning I returned to find him recovered his energy and eager to return to the nature.  He flew to the florescent lamps as soon as I switch on the light.  So I switch off the lamps.  He then flew to the window  but the grass panel separated him from the bright sunny outdoor where he should belong to.  I pull down the curtain quickly.  He then restlessly climbing up and down the curtain.

I knew he has recovered and energetic now to go back to where he should belong.   But why was he drowning the previously ?

A close examining on him with a 10x magnify glass quickly gave the answer : he is suffering from wing tumors.

INDEX : Dragonfly     June 01, 2012 08:20:10 PM