EPOW - Ecology Picture of the Week

An Iridescent Flutterer

Iridescent Flutterer (Rhyothemis braganza), Family Libellulidae
Northern Territory, Australia

Explanation:  Yes, this sparkling jewel with wings is indeed called an iridescent flutterer.  

This species is found in the northern parts of Australia, including where I discovered it there in Tabletop Swamp, Litchfield National Park, Northern Territory ... informally, the "Top End" of northern Australia.  

As of this writing, only some 117 incidences of this species had been recorded in the online Atlas of Living Australia, although doubtless many more sites (and individuals) occur across the region, and the IUCN Red List denotes it as a species of "least concern" for any threatened status.

Apparently, my photographed specimen here is an adult, as the dark markings on the forewings and hindwings are of equal length, and the wings lack pale spots found on other species.  

So, during these terribly trying pandemic times, let's take a breather and enjoy the natural beauty that is still around is ... in this case, fluttering on iridescent wings.