Bio-inspired aerodynamics is an evolving subject with great potential to offer solutions for complex engineering problems, and this is heavily reflected in some engineering feats of the past few decades. One such probable inspiration is dragonflies; they can perform maneuvers beyond present-day aerial vehicles’ capabilities and serve as an excellent inspiration for UAVs. Dragonflies are highly accomplished fliers because they engage a complex ensemble of parameters that govern their wing kinematics. Observing the subtle changes in the wing kinematics and understanding its effects on the flowfield will give an insight into the influence of these wing kinematics on the aerodynamic behavior. The present study shows vortex structures in the near field of a tethered Pantala flavescens, captured using high-speed Schlieren imaging. Cycle-averaged velocity fields obtained using the physics-based optical flow illustrate two scenarios distinguished by the changes in the nearfield region having different phase differences and stroke-plane inclinations. The changes in the momentum jet in the wake show how wing kinematics play a role in influencing the aerodynamics of a dragonfly to engage in different flight modes.