Pulling cobwebs from dragonfly wings
I had a strange experience the other night. I noticed a dragonfly on my front porch that was struggling to get to its feet so I grabbed some cling wrap and wrapped it loosely so I could pick it up and take a better look. I could see its feet were wrapped in cobwebs so I made a hole in the plastic and carefully removed the web until its feet were free. I unwrapped it from the plastic and (you’d think that would be the end of this story and the dragonfly would fly away, etc… but not so) something odd happened.
Once the legs were free it flew awkwardly at my face, so I put my hand up and it landed on my hand with its wings shivering. That’s when I noticed its wings were also covered in webs. I gently pinched the end of one web hanging from its wing and began to pull. The dragonfly stuck tight to my hand and shook only that wing as I pulled harder to remove the web. Once that was clear I started on the other wings until all four were clear of webs. This entire time the dragonfly clung tight to my skin and only shook the wing I was working on at the time to help rid itself of every speck of web. This process took about twenty minutes. When I’d finished, it tested each wing and then flapped them all at once. It then sat there for a moment looking at me before flying off into the night.
I know I tell you that I love animals and they seem to be attracted to me (I wish the snakes weren’t), but this experience took things to a whole new level and gave me a feeling I’ve never had before. My hubby and my neighbour were watching all this so intently that neither of them thought to film it! Hubby said, “I knew you were Snow White, but this is ridiculous.”
I had the distinct impression that this dragonfly knew I was helping it.
But it’s an insect – how could it possibly know?
Have you ever experienced a strange animal or insect look at you as if they understand what you’re doing – or am I just turning into a crazy dragonfly lady? 😀
I think all living things have a…..presence. They do know when you are trying to help. I’ve done it with dogs. I’ve never been bitten by an animal. I have helped animals that were hurt and in pain and would snap at others but they let me help them even though I hurt them unintentionally trying to help. Insects are the same. The live, so they feel. I just love that story and think it’s so you. It’s the ‘vibes’ I get from you even on here. 🙂 Be proud of your gift, Dianne. It’s awesome.
LikeLike
That’s lovely, Jackie! I’ve felt this with animals before but not with an insect. What you say makes so much sense “all living things have a…..presence”. I can’t begin to explain how I felt when that dragonfly looked at me before flying off into the night – it was magical and spiritual and gave me an amazing sense of connection with the universe xxxx
LikeLike
I can just imagine, Dianne. Keep that feeling close and pull it out when you feel a bit down. 🙂 xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a wonderful idea, Jackie. Thank you xxxx
LikeLike
That is an incredible story in every sense of the word. I loved reading this. You should write an illustrated story about your experience. Magical and lovely and other-worldly.
LikeLike
It really was other-worldly Sharon. I’m sure it’s something I will remember until the day I die (and maybe even beyond). It was a surreal experience and I’m still trying to get my head around it 🙂 A story about it would be fantastic xxxx
LikeLike
That is amazing. I totally believe animals and insects are aware of us and our intentions to some extent. You must be one calm, intense individual. 🙂 Really cool story, thank you for sharing!
LikeLike
Oh Daphne – you’re so right about my calmness! Sometimes I’m so calm it annoys people and they try to get me riled up (but it never works!) 😀 I’m really glad you liked this, it was such a magical experience I just had to share it xxxx
LikeLike
What in the world is wrong with those people??? They should try to emulate your calmness. Its pure awesome. ❤
LikeLike
You certainly have a fairytale magic about you… so I’m not surprised the dragonfly picked you to be its helper. I believe even though they are small, their lives short, that insects too have instinct & awareness. We’ve been followed by butterflies, swopped by dragonflies and had a grasshopper to dinner. The frogs and local birds consider us neighbours. We don’t bother anything much unless it’s really the wrong thing in the wrong place… snakes don’t always takes a hint.
LikeLike
I often find butterflies and damselflies will dance around my head when I’m at the creek – it’s such a beautiful experience! I love saving frogs from the dreaded ‘dried out in the house’ situation and putting them out in the rain while pulling the dust off their legs. Sometimes people think I’m mad to taking such care, but I don’t think they understand the connections of life like you and I do 🙂 I don’t like snakes but the other night hubby was watching the TV and they showed a picture of a beautiful diamond python someone had killed and I felt awful. As long as they stay away from me they deserve to live their life – but you’re right sometimes they just don’t take the hint. Years ago hubby used to say “any snake in the house is a dead snake” but now he says “any snake in the house is a relocated snake” haaaa – I think I’m training him well xxxx
LikeLike
Interesting. I think the dragonfly feels you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes – it must have. There was certainly a connection there that I’ve never experienced before. It was amazing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A lovely story. It was fortunate to ask you for assistance. And what a beauty!
LikeLike
It was wonderful – I’m so humbled it chose me to do the job! 🙂
LikeLike
Hi Dianne,
I actually had a similar experience a few months ago – my daughter Emily and I rescued a dragonfly from our laundry that had become tangled up in a mix of hair and cobwebs. The dragonfly showed such patience and calm while we tugged away the strands…we really felt it appreciated what we were doing! What a special gift such moments provide…
Best wishes,
Ian
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is wonderful, Ian! You know first hand what a fantastic experience this is – magical and surreal that an insect knows when someone is trying to help it. I’m so glad you and Emily rescued that dragonfly. Well done xxx
LikeLike
You’re the insect whisperer, I think! That’s such a sweet story. Most people would never take the time to do that. Good on you. And yes, about those snakes…
LikeLike
Haaaa – I love the insect whisperer. It doesn’t sound quite as majestic as a horse whisperer, but it’s equally as difficult 😀 I hope you and the family had a lovely Easter, Carrie xxxx
LikeLike
We did, thank you. Hope you did too. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was … interesting 😉 A few mishaps with hubby’s aging parents but nothing that ambulances, doctors and hospitals couldn’t fix – it’s all good now. We live in a great part of the world here – ambulances are free so I’m never hesitant to call one when needed. The paramedics are awesome and very fast to respond (so far). Apart from that all is bright and sunny 😀
LikeLike
Oh dear, I’m glad everything is good now. Sounds intense.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes – but all good now and everything is settling down nicely xxxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
It knew . . . tapped into intuition, it knew!
Loved this.
LikeLike
I knew you wouldn’t be surprised, Nancy – there is an entire world out there we know nothing about unless we search. And you are one of the best searchers I know. It must have tapped into intuition – I love this! xxxx
LikeLike
What a beautiful story, Dianne. I hope that dragonfly spread the word to all his friends. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh yes – they’ll be lining up at the door! Haaaa I’ll certainly get the video recorder out if that happens 😀 What a lovely thought xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
That dragonfly is so lucky it ran into you. I am impressed and awed by your example.
LikeLike
Awww – I’m so glad Jacqui. I can’t believe (as a writer) that the entire experience left me lost for words! 😀
LikeLike
That is truly an astounding story! How nice to be at one with nature in this way. It really is a marvellous illustration of our interdependence – across species.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was a wonderful experience, Allen and made me realise that we are all connected no matter what size or shape we are 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I totally believe this story, Dianne, and I know for sure you are a saint as well as my favorite Australian author!
Every year we have red birds nesting in our back yard at Casa de Canterbury, and I always speak to them when they appear. We have a small water fountain in the back yard that leaks so I don’t keep the water replenished and moving all the time.
I swear to you that our red birds swoop down in front of me in the early mornings that I don’t have the fountain plugged in. I get it up and running and then later, I see the red birds happily drinking and feathers fluttering as they have a refreshing bath, too.
I hope the new owners will be kind to the bird population at Casa de Canterbury.
Luckily, we have birds chirping for me and squirrels scurrying for Spike at our new home – if we ever get moved in to it!
LikeLike
These birds are truly communicating with you, Sheila! What is happening with the new place – you’re not in it yet???
LikeLiked by 1 person
Alas, it reminds me of your first days at the RUC! One of the differences, though, is you did everything yourself. We are relying on others who, many times, are unreliable. 🙂
We are hoping for this weekend!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve had the unreliable types here to, Sheila. I’m sure my patience has been tested to limit and beyond with the RUC – but it’s all worth it in the end 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a lovely story, Dianne. I suppose certain animals and insects can sense a loving soul. Great photo!
LikeLike
Oh thank you, Jill! What a beautiful comment xxxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a lovely story! Beautiful people attract beautiful things. 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks, Susan – you’ve made my day xxxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Some might say that the spirit of a loved one who had passed away was that dragonfly. 🙂 I am more inclined to think that the dragonfly knew you could help it and was thanking you by looking at you for a few moments before flying away. Dragonflies don’t seem to be very afraid of humans, in my experience anyway. I’m always finding them perched nearby when we’re outside, and they will often land on our shoulders, hands, legs, etc, and just hang out, unlike butterflies or bees who seem to be more busy and not as eager to make human connections. They’re quite magical if you want to even go into the whole spiritual realm discussion with animal totems. 🙂 Of course you know that I LOVE that you took the time to help the dragonfly. Nice job!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
It was awesome, Kate. I was going to use the word ‘spiritual’ in the post but some people take that the wrong way so I’m so glad you mentioned it here 😉 I found it to be a spiritual and magical experience, as far as I know what the word ‘spiritual’ means. And you’re so right about dragonflies – they don’t seem to be fearful of us which is wonderful! I hope you’re going well my friend xxxx
LikeLike
That’s awesome. I could picture it so clearly as I read your post. What a beautiful experience. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was a beautiful experience, Char and I’m so glad I was able to share it (I just wish hubby had filmed it instead of just sitting in shock and amazement!) 😀
LikeLike
I wish the same thing so many times in life. It is nice to have things recorded, but then you almost miss out on the magic if you do. At least you recorded it in words.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Stories like this one, Dianne,strengthen my trust and faith in human kind. I love it! 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you, Carol – we all have to look after each other and I absolutely love the natural world 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
What an amazing story Dianne, I’m sure that all creatures have the ability to interact with us, we just don’t normally pay attention 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a beautiful world, Andrea – and you’re so right about us paying attention. We seem to have lost that connection over the ages. I guess we all get too busy to notice the little things (like dragonflies asking for help). It’s just so good to stop for a moment and watch and listen xxxx
LikeLiked by 2 people
We’re a rescue animal family – currently 4 cats, 2 dogs, several tankloads of fish (a few of which are also also rescues, along with some hermit crabs!) We’ve also helped reunite wandering dogs with their owners. Never been bitten approaching a stray, and even our somewhat possessive dogs have welcomed them into the house as if they know they’re temporary. Haven’t rescued dragonflies though – and that’s a lovely story. Don’t know if this made the Aussie news, but it was circulating here for a while. This is one of the bravest rescues I’ve watched – and I think I was holding my breath the entire time! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3DEBPEHWSw
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh my! I just watched it – that was amazing. What brave heroes they are. Wow! I’m stunned.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love your post and believe every word of your extraordinary experience. Yes, I’ve felt that I’ve communed with an insect, but fearful of being made fun of. Thanks for being such a kind loving being- you were rewarded with sincere thanks by the gorgeous dragonfly. 💚
LikeLike
I was also worried that people might make fun of me, Pam – luckily I have understanding followers on this blog 😉 It really was an extraordinary experience and one I think about quite often (still wondering how and why it happened!) 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
We like-minded people ‘get’ each other! 💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow… what an amazing experience! And no. ..you’re not a crazy lady… maybe they can sense your kind heart and spirit. xx
LikeLike
Awww – thanks Jo! What a lovely comment xxxx
LikeLike
Absolutely weird, but you are one crazy dragonfly lady that I like very much. 🙂 🙂
LikeLike
Haaaa – you’re just awesome, Jo! xxxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love that you did this, Dianne! My story is about a little Carolina Wren that was caught in some netting in my chicken run. Holding any wild thing in your hands long enough to help set it free and to survive is amazing, totally worth the effort, and certainly not crazy. Here is my wren story: https://pixilatedtoo.wordpress.com/2009/12/29/the-singing-leaf/
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh – Just read it, Lynda – what a beautiful story. It brought a tear to my eye! xxxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a wonderful story, Dianne. Once when I was diving in Thailand I watched a diver remove a hook from a leopard shark’s mouth.
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
LikeLike
Wow – now that’s true dedication! What a great story, Susan – thank you for sharing it here xxxx
LikeLike
Sounds like magic to me. You clearly have an aura that creatures find sympathetic.
LikeLike
It felt like magic, Cynthia – I found it very uplifting and rewarding, as if we actually communicated for a short while. I’m still feeling quite euphoric about it xxxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s just so terrific. Great story! Thank you for sharing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for reading and enjoying! Have a great weekend xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
You too, friend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
OMG Dianne!!! This gave me all over goosebumps! What a gift! What a beautiful experience to have had! I have NO doubt that dragonfly knew you were helping it. I have had some sweet animal moments, though not as long or magical as yours. Once I’d had an argument with my father, it was Christmas day in fact, some time late morning I think, and I went for a walk to clear my head, and as I walked the tree lined path leading to the top of a nearby hill, I saw a fox, right in the middle of the path. Its fur was such a beautiful colour in the winter sun light, and it wasn’t scared at all, seemingly just out for a stroll like me. It looked right at me for a moment, and then walked slowly off, still in no rush, still with no fear. It felt like such a gift. Here’s to many more snow white moments – keep sharing them with us please!!! Love, Harula xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love your fox story, Harula – what a beautiful moment! That fox was there for a reason – I love it! I’m sure creatures give us signs all the time, we just have to learn how to take notice of them xxxxx
LikeLike
How amazing is that Dianne? Fair play to you for taking the time and care. It will surely tip the balance if you get to the Pearly Gates and St Peter is in fact a big dragonfly 🙂
LikeLike
If you get to the pearly gates and St Peter is a big dragonfly you can say, “hang on – I know this woman in Australia….” 😀 haaaa
It really was an amazing experience Roy – I don’t like using the word spiritual, but it’s the only one to come to mind after magical and mystical. Someone mentioned here that they saw a person take a hook from the mouth of a shark – I don’t know it I’d go that far 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know you’re a bit more tuned in to nature than I am Dianne, and you also understand that not everything is necessarily understood by us – if you follow 🙂 I sometimes touch on Irish myth and fantasy but without having had any personal experience of anything like that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Maybe dragonflies know more than we realise 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Maybe they do, Mary – and thank you so much for following my blog xxxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
What an amazing story, Dianne. Hubby and I were both entranced by the account of your experience. It really does make you wonder about animal and even insect intelligence. I wish I could make my little lizard understand that when I try to catch him and put him outside in the yard, I just want to make sure he has plenty of insects to eat and doesn’t die of starvation in our new screen room. Every time I get near enough to grab him, he flees like the devil is after him. 😕
LikeLike
I have the same problem here, Sylvia with frogs and lizards. If they stay in the house they tend to shrivel up and die, but they just won’t listen to me! 😀 I can catch them sometimes, but that dragonfly experience was absolutely amazing. I’m glad you and hubby enjoyed it too xxxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Horrible to see a shrivelled up lizard. 😦
LikeLike
I would have been in awe watching you too Snow White indeed, how beautiful it must have been to watch him fly free. Such a beautiful story Dianne.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was truly magical Kath – it took me a while to calm down and figure out what just happened! Amazing xxxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, how magical 💞
LikeLike
Thank you! 🙂 xxxx
LikeLike
I actually used this exact method earlier today to save my gragonfly friend from a spider. Glad wrap , gentle as I could to not harm it. . But it knew I was helping I can’t explain. This particular dragon fly does me the very kind courtesy of escorting wasps away from me while I swim .
I always say hello n thx n goodbye each time I chill out with it.
Very very thankful for the advice . Cheers
LikeLike
I had a similar experience! Yes I do believe that they understand if we want to help them or kill them!
You did become a dragonfly lady🤟🏽😘✨
LikeLike