Graphic Flutterer
(Photographer: Thomas Rowland)
Scientific Name: Rhyothemis graphiptera
Size: Total Length 50mm; Wingspan 70mm
What does it look like?
The mature Graphic Flutterer has yellowish-brown wings, each with large dark metallic brown patches (not at tips). Abdomen greyish-brown above, paler below, and eyes red. Larvae grow to around 15mm.
Where is it found?
Found throughout much of mainland Australia, presumed absent only from south-western WA, south-western Qld, western NSW, Vic and south-eastern SA. Also in New Caledonia and Indonesia.
What are its habitats & habits?
The Graphic Flutterer, or Banded Flutterer, occurs in and around lagoons, billabongs, ponds and swamps, where adults frequently land on tips of tall grasses. Insect prey is taken in fluttering flight. Male and female remain joined throughout egg laying process, during which female deposits eggs on surface of water. Larvae aquatic, voraciously feeding on other aquatic insects.
This species features in my book A Naturalist’s Guide to the Insects of Australia
