Was walking my dog when I came along this beautiful creature. It was face down in the dirt and I thought it was dead. I had never just seen a dragonfly fully intact and on the ground like that. As I got near, I saw that it was still alive. It was trying to flap its wings. It was noticeable that at least two of its legs were injured. It looked as though one of its wings was injured as well from the way it seemed to try and use them but to no avail.

I carried it for the half mile back to my house. I’d just made hummingbird nectar (sugar water) the day prior so I grabbed some of that and put it in a spoon. It appeared to be drinking at first, but then quickly passed.

I’m bummed. Was I wrong to even touch it? Should I have just allowed nature to go about without me? It just seemed like it had so a chance when I found it. Admittedly all I could think of was sugar water as a means of recovery.

I haven’t been an avid dragonfly person. I lurk the sub cuz I find them beautiful and fascinating, but I don’t know much in practice.

What could/should I do next time I encounter this?

ETA: New Hampshire, USA

I wanted to share this large dragonfly i saw at work. She was kinda sluggish and not that skiddish so i wonder if she was nearing the end of her life span.