Dragonfly Emergence - eventually the insect is ready for flight

Blood pumps through the abdomen, which progressively straightens; and through veins in the wings, that gradually expand. The wings at first are held along the line of the abdomen, and are pale, opaque.

As they harden, the wings take on the familiar, transparent appearance, and eventually assume the normal resting position – for a dragonfly, this is at 90 degrees to the abdomen. The muscles of the abdomen eventually start to vibrate as the insect warms up for its maiden flight.

Then off it goes into the air, a beautiful winged adult. Pale, teneral body colours will last for a few days, but eventually, full adult colouration will be gained.

And so the cycle is completed. The adult will soon be ready to find a mate and start the next generation.

References:
A Guide to the Dragonflies of Great Britain: Dan Powell
Dragonflies and Damselflies of Britain and Northern Europe: Bob Gibbons