Common darter dragonfly (Sympetrum striolatum) undergoing metamorphosis. Image 1 of 9. This is five minutes after the thorax starts to split open. Common darters metamorphose during darkness to reduce the risk of predation. The larva climbs the stem of a nearby plant before the fully formed dragonfly emerges. Dragonflies go through an incomplete metamorphosis where each stage of its development has a similar body form to the adult. For a complete sequence of the final stage of the common darter dragonfly metamorphosis, see images Z300/235-243.