Golden ringed dragonfly metamorphosis. Image 3 of 5. This dragonfly (Cordulegaster boltoni) is fully emerged from the larva. The new wings are now visible on the dragonfly's back. The dragonfly will soon begin to pump them with blood to inflate them. The larva is aquatic and escapes the water by climbing on to the stem of a plant whilst undergoing metamorphosis. For a complete sequence see images Z300/257 to Z300/261.